Collins COBUILD Advanced Learner’s Dictionary

un|ex|cep|tion|able /ʌ n I kse pʃənəb ^ə l/ ADJ If you describe someone or something as unexceptionable , you mean that they are unlikely to be criticized or objected to, but are not new or exciting, and may have some hidden bad qualities. [FORMAL ] □  The candidate was quite unexceptionable, a well-known travel writer and TV personality. □  The school's unexceptionable purpose is to involve parents in the education of their children.

un|ex|cep|tion|al /ʌ n I kse pʃən ^ə l/ ADJ If you describe something as unexceptional , you mean that it is ordinary, not very interesting, and often disappointing. □  Since then, Michael has lived an unexceptional life. □  The rest of the summer was unexceptional.

un|ex|cit|ing /ʌ n I ksa I t I ŋ/ ADJ If you describe someone or something as unexciting , you think they are rather boring, and not likely to shock or surprise you in any way. □  He is regarded as very capable but unexciting. □  It was a methodical, unexciting chore.

un|ex|pec|ted ◆◇◇ /ʌ n I kspe kt I d/ ADJ If an event or someone's behaviour is unexpected , it surprises you because you did not think that it was likely to happen. □  His death was totally unexpected. □  He made a brief, unexpected appearance at the office. ●  un|ex|pect|ed|ly ADV [ADV adj, ADV with v] □  Moss had clamped an unexpectedly strong grip on his arm. SYNONYMS unexpected ADJ

unforeseen:Ring regularly to check that no unforeseen problems have arisen.

surprise:Baxter arrived here this afternoon, on a surprise visit.

sudden:He had been deeply affected by the sudden death of his father-in-law.

un|ex|plained /ʌ n I ksple I nd/ ADJ [usu ADJ n] If you describe something as unexplained , you mean that the reason for it or cause of it is unclear or is not known. □  The demonstrations were provoked by the unexplained death of an opposition leader. □  Soon after leaving Margate, for some unexplained reason, the train was brought to a standstill.

un|fail|ing /ʌnfe I l I ŋ/ ADJ [usu ADJ n] If you describe someone's good qualities or behaviour as unfailing , you mean that they never change. □  He had the unfailing care and support of Erica, his wife. □  He continued to appear in the office with unfailing regularity thereafter. ●  un|fail|ing|ly ADV [usu ADV adj, oft ADV with v] □  He was unfailingly polite to customers. □  Foreigners unfailingly fall in love with the place.

un|fair ◆◇◇ /ʌ nfeə ^r /

1 ADJ An unfair action is not right or fair. □  America decided that imported steel had an unfair advantage over steel made at home. □  It was unfair that he should suffer so much. □  The union said it was unfair to ask workers to adopt a policy of wage restraint. ●  un|fair|ly ADV [ADV adj, ADV with v] □  The tribunal found that she was unfairly dismissed. □  He unfairly blamed Frances for the failure.

2 ADJ [usu ADJ n] An unfair system or situation does not give equal treatment or equal opportunities to everyone involved. □  The band is suing the show for unfair competition. □  Some have been sentenced to long prison terms after unfair trials. ●  un|fair|ness N‑UNCOUNT □ [+ of ] What about the unfairness of life? Why do bad things happen to good people?