Sudden

/ˈsʌd.ən/

Meaning & Definition

adjective

occurring or done quickly and unexpectedly

The sudden change in temperature caught everyone off guard.

happening in a very short time; abrupt

He experienced a sudden loss of consciousness.

acting or occurring without prior notice; unforeseen

There was a sudden eruption of laughter in the quiet room.

Middle English, from Old French 'soudain', from Latin 'subitus' meaning 'unexpected'

sudden impact

A quick and strong effect or action.

sudden change

An unexpected transformation or shift.

sudden loss

An unexpected experience of losing someone or something.

suddenly

In a sudden manner; unexpectedly.

suddenness

The state or quality of being sudden.

Out of the blue

He just showed up out of the blue.

All of a sudden

All of a sudden, the lights went out.