unlooked-for
Catching you off-guard
Unlooked-for means unexpected or unforeseen, typically carrying a positive connotation—a pleasant surprise rather than an unwelcome one: an unlooked-for inheritance, unlooked-for kindness from a stranger.
The word is somewhat literary and old-fashioned, more common in written than spoken English.
Not predicted beforehand
- unforeseenNot predicted or expected
- surpriseUnexpected event causing astonishment
- unpredictedNot foretold or anticipated
- unplannedNot arranged beforehand
chance · accidental · coincidental · random · inadvertent · unintentional · spontaneous · serendipitous
Sharp and unexpected
- instantaneousHappening without any delay
- swiftMoving with speed
- rapidMoving with haste
- precipitousExtremely steep, almost vertical
immediate · flash · meteoric · lightning · whirlwind · overnight · startling · jarring
Causing mild shock
- astoundingShockingly impressive
- amazingCausing great wonder
- shockingCausing intense surprise
- stunningExtremely impressive or beautiful
staggering · startling · bewildering · flabbergasting · dumbfounding · confounding · mind-boggling · eye-opening
Unanticipated lucky gain
- blessingPrayer seeking divine favor
- boonHelpful benefit received
- godsendUnexpected welcome help
- providenceDivine protective care
serendipity · bonanza · jackpot · gift · miracle
unanticipated
Not predicted beforehand
- unforeseenNot predicted or expected
- surpriseUnexpected event causing astonishment
- unpredictedNot foretold or anticipated
unplanned · chance · accidental · coincidental · random · inadvertent · unintentional · spontaneous · serendipitous · fortuitous
abrupt
Sharp and unexpected
- instantaneousHappening without any delay
- swiftMoving with speed
- rapidMoving with haste
precipitous · immediate · flash · meteoric · lightning · whirlwind · overnight · startling · jarring · jolting
surprising
Causing mild shock
- astoundingShockingly impressive
- amazingCausing great wonder
- shockingCausing intense surprise
stunning · staggering · startling · bewildering · flabbergasting · dumbfounding · confounding · mind-boggling · eye-opening · jaw-dropping
windfall
Unanticipated lucky gain
providence · serendipity · bonanza · jackpot · gift · miracle
unlooked-forexpected
Regarded as likely
anticipated · foreseen · predicted · awaited · foreseeable
look, forgive, looking, outlook, lookout, looked, overlooked, overlooking, outlooks