unexpectedly

[uhn-ik-spek-tid-lee]

adverb

1. in a way that is surprising or unforeseen.

   One of her friends passed away unexpectedly this week.

Word History and Origins

Origin of unexpectedly¹

unexpected ( def. ) + -ly

Example Sentences

In the midst of Hernández’s latest cold spell, the outfielder was unexpectedly benched for Sunday’s series finale against the Arizona Diamondbacks.

From Los Angeles Times

The search for a new buyer for British Steel has stalled in recent months after Jingye unexpectedly asked for a sum in the hundreds of millions to hand over ownership.

From BBC

In both cases, it’s that subtle, peppery lift that makes a familiar dish feel unexpectedly alive.

From Salon

After decades of debauchery and an untold number of conceptions, revelers at Burning Man celebrated a rare birth at Black Rock City on Wednesday morning, after a festivalgoer unexpectedly went into labor on the Playa.

From Los Angeles Times

“Piper and Chapin come from completely different backgrounds when their lives unexpectedly collide in Paris, and they really do change for the better,” Alexandra said.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• quickly 
• suddenly 
• unusually www.thesaurus.com