How to pronounce unexpected
Say it like uhn-ik-SPEK-tid. Unexpected has four syllables, and the main stress falls on the third one (SPEK).
Click the play button next to American or British to hear how to pronounce unexpected. Choose Slow to hear each sound clearly.
- uhn
- ik
- SPEK
- tid
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Unexpected pronunciation, sound by sound
Read the parts left to right, then blend them together without pausing.
- uhnGive this part a little weight. The vowel is the "u" in cup.
- ikKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the "i" in sit.
- SPEKSay this part loudest and longest. The vowel is the "e" in bed.
- tidKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the "i" in sit.
American vs British pronunciation of unexpected
American and British speakers say unexpected in essentially the same way: /ˌʌnɪkˈspɛktɪd/ in the US and /ˌʌnɪkˈspɛktɪd/ in the UK.
British respelling: uhn-ik-SPEK-tid.
What does unexpected mean?
- not expected or anticipated“unexpected guests”“unexpected news”
Where does unexpected come from?
From un- + expected.
Similar and opposite words
Opposite meaning
Words that rhyme with unexpected
Practicing rhymes is a quick way to lock in the vowel sound of unexpected.
Questions about saying unexpected
How do you pronounce unexpected?
Say uhn-ik-SPEK-tid. The American pronunciation is /ˌʌnɪkˈspɛktɪd/. In British English it is /ˌʌnɪkˈspɛktɪd/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in unexpected?
Unexpected has four syllables, and the main stress falls on the third one (SPEK). Broken into parts: uhn · ik · SPEK · tid.
Do Americans and Brits say unexpected the same way?
Almost exactly. The American form is /ˌʌnɪkˈspɛktɪd/ and the British form is /ˌʌnɪkˈspɛktɪd/, so you can use either pronunciation with any listener.