expected
3 antonyms and opposites of expected, grouped by meaning.
Adjective — Believed to be likely, coming, or due.
Antonyms
How to use expected
The word patterns that sound natural to a native speaker.
Frequently asked questions
What does “expected” mean?
The word “expected” means believed to be likely, coming, or due. In plain terms, predicted or planned to happen.
How do you pronounce “expected”?
“Expected” is pronounced ihk-SPEHK-tihd (/ɪkˈspɛk.tɪd/ in IPA).
How do you use “expected” in a sentence?
Here is “expected” used in a sentence: “The expected delivery date is next Tuesday.”
What is the opposite of “expected”?
The opposite of “expected” — its antonyms — are unexpected, surprising and unlikely.
What part of speech is “expected”?
“Expected” is an adjective.
Is “expected” a common word?
“Expected” is a very common word in modern English, usually learned at around the B2 level.
What is the difference between expected and unexpected?
Expected describes something believed likely to happen or arrive — the expected result. Unexpected is its direct opposite: a surprise, something not foreseen — an unexpected guest. The line between them is prediction. If you saw it coming it was expected, and if it caught you off guard it was unexpected.
What is the difference between expected and anticipated?
Both mean foreseen, but anticipated often adds a sense of active preparation or eagerness — the eagerly anticipated sequel. Expected is more neutral, simply stating that something is believed likely or due. You can expect bad news calmly, but you usually anticipate something you are getting ready for.
What is an example of expected?
The train is expected at nine means it is due then. She gave the expected answer means it was predictable. We are expecting a baby uses the same idea of something due to arrive. In each case, expected marks an outcome believed likely before it actually happens.