Definition

1. Adjective:
   • So unexpected as to have not been imagined or hoped for: Describes something positive or advantageous that occurs without being anticipated or expected. It implies a pleasant surprise that was not part of one's hopes or calculations.

Usage

• The adjective unhoped-for is used attributively, meaning it typically comes before the noun it modifies (e.g., ). It describes a benefit, piece of luck, or positive outcome that arrives as a complete surprise.
• It carries a formal or literary tone.

Examples

• The team's victory was an unhoped-for triumph, given their previous losses.
• Her recovery was swift and unhoped-for, bringing great joy to her family.
• They received an unhoped-for financial donation that saved the community project.

Advanced Usage

• "unhoped-for" as a compound adjective: It is always hyphenated. While similar in meaning to "unexpected," "unhoped-for" specifically connotes a desirable outcome that one did not dare to expect.
  • The peace treaty was an unhoped-for conclusion to the lengthy conflict.

Variants and Related Words

• Unhoped (adj., archaic): Not hoped for; despaired of. (Rarely used in modern English).
• Unanticipated (adj.): Not expected or predicted. (More general, does not imply the outcome is necessarily positive).
• Unexpected (adj.): Not expected or regarded as likely to happen. (Neutral in connotation).

Synonyms

• Unexpected
• Unforeseen
• Unanticipated
• Undreamed-of
• Unlooked-for

Antonyms

• Expected
• Anticipated
• Foreseen
• Hoped-for

Related Phrases and Idioms

• A bolt from the blue: A complete surprise. (This idiom is more general and can refer to negative or shocking news, not specifically a positive, unhoped-for event).
• A windfall: An unexpected gain, typically financial. (Similar in meaning but often implies a tangible benefit).

Adjective

1. so unexpected as to have not been imagined
   • an unhoped-for piece of luck
   • an unthought advantage
   • an unthought-of place to find the key