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not expected

ADJECTIVE
improbable
Synonyms
STRONGEST
fanciful implausible rare unbelievable unlikely
WEAK
doubtful dubious far-fetched flimsy hundred-to-one iffy inconceivable outside chance questionable slim slim and none uncertain unconvincing unheard of unimaginable unsubstantial weak
Antonyms
STRONGEST
believable likely ordinary plausible probably real
WEAK
ostensible possible probable tenable

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

“It’s OK to ask questions, because you’re not expected to know these things,” Catanese said.

From MarketWatch • May 8, 2026

Emi Buendia was not expected to still be at Aston Villa by now.

From BBC • May 7, 2026

That’s likely due to a cooling labor market, slowing wage growth, and stronger pricing pressure—conditions that are not expected to shift much in the coming months.

From Barron's • Apr. 30, 2026

In Houston, at least, most of the organizing costs are not expected to be borne by local governments.

From Salon • Apr. 30, 2026

Evidently he had not expected to run into most of his family.

From "Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows" by J.K. Rowling