Word Pronunciation & Dictionary

expect the unexpected

Word Rarity Uncommon

Frequency: Zipf frequency 4.16 in modern English

Syllables
ex-pec-t the un-ex-pect-ed
IPA
45
Scrabble Score
19
Letters
6
Syllables
9
Unique Chars

Meaning

verb

To be prepared for unusual or surprising events.

Example Sentences

Inflected Forms

expects the unexpected (present, singular) expecting the unexpected (participle, present) expected the unexpected (participle, past) expected the unexpected (past)

Phrases

Frequently Paired Words

Questions

What does expect the unexpected mean?
To be prepared for unusual or surprising events.

How to pronounce expect the unexpected

  1. Open the pronunciation page — Open the Speakur entry for “expect the unexpected”.
  2. Read the phonetic spelling — Read the IPA spelling () so you know which sounds to aim for.
  3. Play the audio — Click Play to hear reference audio for “expect the unexpected”.
  4. Repeat and practice — Say “expect the unexpected” aloud, matching stress and vowels until it feels natural.