unexpectedly

/ˌʌnɪkˈspektɪdli/
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In a surprising or unforeseen way, especially when an event happens without the warning, planning, or likelihood that people had assumed.

Examples

  • Not unexpectedly, most shops were closed after midnight.
  • His name came up unexpectedly during the interview.
  • She unexpectedly arrived before the meeting started.
  • The team unexpectedly won the final.
  • The software unexpectedly closed after the update.

Similar words

unanticipatedly
unforeseeably
out of the blue
surprisingly
suddenly
abruptly

Meanings

Usage

Use unexpectedly to modify a verb, adjective, or whole clause, and use unexpected when a noun needs an adjective.

Common mistakes

An unexpectedly result uses the adverb where the adjective unexpected is needed.

Etymology

Formed from unexpected plus -ly. Unexpected is attested from the 1580s as un- plus expected, ultimately from Latin exspectare, "to look for or await."

FAQ

What does unexpectedly mean?

Unexpectedly means in a way that was not expected, often with surprise.

Is unexpectedly an adjective or an adverb?

Unexpectedly is an adverb. The adjective is unexpected.

Can unexpectedly mean suddenly?

It can overlap with suddenly when something happens without warning, but it focuses more on surprise than speed.

What is the opposite of unexpectedly?

Common opposites are expectedly, predictably, and unsurprisingly.

Is unexpectedlyly a word?

No. Unexpectedly already has the adverb ending -ly.

What is the difference between unexpected and unexpectedly?

Unexpected describes a noun, as in an unexpected delay. Unexpectedly describes how something happens, as in the flight was unexpectedly delayed.

Can a sentence start with unexpectedly?

Yes. Unexpectedly, nobody objected is natural when the whole situation is surprising.

What are good synonyms for unexpectedly?

Useful synonyms include surprisingly, suddenly, abruptly, unforeseeably, and out of the blue.

Where does unexpectedly come from?

It is formed from unexpected plus the adverb suffix -ly.

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