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"The announcement was unexpected and left many employees stunned."
"Her birthday party took an unexpected turn when the power went out."
"The car ran out of fuel, which was unexpected given the trip's careful planning."
"There was an unexpected delay in the flight schedule."
Unexpected derives from the combination of 'un-' (a negating prefix) + 'expected' (from Old English expectan, from Latin exspectare, meaning to look out for, await). The root 'expect' traces to Latin exspectare via Old French esperer? The English word gained its negative prefix in Middle English as a way to express something not anticipated. The sense evolved in early modern English to describe events that occur without prior anticipation, uncertainty, or surprise. The term began appearing in print around the 15th–16th centuries as commerce, travel, and science increased exposure to unforeseen outcomes; by the 17th century, it was common in literary and legal language to describe outcomes that were not expected due to lack of foresight. Through the centuries, 'unexpected' retained a neutral to mildly negative connotation, depending on context; in more positive or neutral frames, it can convey novelty or spontaneity rather than mere surprise.
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💡 These words have similar meanings to "unexpected" and can often be used interchangeably.
🔄 These words have opposite meanings to "unexpected" and show contrast in usage.
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Words that rhyme with "unexpected"
-ted sounds
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Pronounce as /ˌənɪkˈspektɪd/ in US/UK usage with primary stress on the second syllable 'PECT' and a secondary stress on the 'un-' prefix. Break it into un- (unstressed) + eks-pect- ed, with the 'ex' blending into 'ek' and the final '-ed' pronounced as a dark 'ɪd' or reduced to 't' in rapid speech in some dialects. Place the tongue high at the velar region for the 'spek' cluster, and keep the lips relaxed. For audio practice, listen to a native voice saying 'un-eks-pekt-ed' clearly and repeat.
Common errors include over-pronouncing the 'ex' as separate 'ek' and misplacing the primary stress on the first syllable, producing un-EX-pekt-ed, or flattening the second syllable so 'PECT' loses its prominence. Another frequent mistake is dropping the final 'ed' as a weak schwa; instead, maintain a short, crisp 'ɪd' or a lighter 't' depending on speed. Correct by enunciating eks-PECT with clear secondary stress and finishing with a precise 'ɪd' or 't' sound.
In US English, you’ll hear primary stress on 'PECT' with a distinct 'ɪ' before the final 'd' and a relatively flat 'ed' ending. In UK English, the 'ed' ending can be lighter and sometimes elided in rapid speech, with the 'ɪd' or 't' ending more pronounced. Australian English tends to reduce vowels slightly and may approximate the final 'ed' as a short schwa or a clipped '-t' in fast speech. Across all, the core 'eks-PECT' cluster remains stable.
The difficulty centers on the 'eks-pekt' consonant cluster and the shift from 'ex-' to 'ek-' and the consonant timing around the secondary stress on 'PECT'. The combination of unstressed prefix and stressed root can blur syllable boundaries in fast speech. Mastery requires precise placement of the tongue for /k/ and /p/ in quick succession and maintaining clear articulation of the syllable boundary between 'un' and 'eks'.
A unique feature is the four-syllable rhythm with a strong peak on the second syllable: un-ex-PECT-ed. This creates a clear separation between the prefix and the root, especially in careful speech. Your mouth must transition from the alveolar/velar blend of 'eks' to the bilabial 'p' and velar 't' cleanly. Visualize the mouth opening wider for 'eks' and then snapping shut for 'pect' before the final 'ed'.
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