French word

inattendu

Pronunciation

IPA/inatɑ̃dy/

Meaning

  • adjectiveunexpected

Example

La nouvelle était inattendue.

The news was unexpected.

Illustration for inattendu (unexpected)

More examples

Un événement inattendu a changé nos plans.

An unexpected event changed our plans.

Core concept

A result that appears outside the expected course of events.

Common phrases

  • événement inattendu

    unexpected event

  • résultat inattendu

    unexpected result

Similar words

imprévu: Outside what was planned or scheduled.
inopiné: Unexpected and sudden, especially in formal language.
surprenant: Remarkable for the surprise it creates.

Definition in French

Qui surprend parce qu'on ne s'y attendait pas.

Word origin

Inattendu is formed from the negative prefix in- and attendu, the past participle of attendre, meaning 'to wait for' or 'to expect'.

Usage tips

  • As an adjective, inattendu agrees with the noun: inattendue, inattendus, and inattendues are the feminine and plural forms.

Opposites

  • prévuplannedadjective
  • attenduexpectedadjective

Word lists with this word