English pronunciation · Words Starting with U

Unexpected Pronunciation

Unexpected is pronounced uh-nik-SPEK-tid, IPA /ˌənɪkˈspɛktɪd/.

uh-nik-SPEK-tid

US /ˌənɪkˈspɛktɪd/  ·  UK /ˌʌnɛkˈspɛktɪd/

Syllables: uh · nik · SPEK · tid (4 syllables, stress on syllable 3)

adjective: Not expected, and so a surprise.

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Unexpected in a Sentence

  • The result was completely unexpected.
  • An unexpected bill arrived on Monday.
  • Her visit was unexpected but welcome.

Common Mispronunciations of Unexpected

Not UN-ek-spek-tid

SPEK is the loud beat, third of the four, and the un in front of it has no weight.

Not uh-neks-PEK-tid

That s belongs with the p after it, so the loud beat opens on sp.

Tip: Expect, expected and unexpected all keep the punch on spek.

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