sudden

American  

[suhd-n] / ˈsʌd n /

adjective

1. happening, coming, made, or done quickly, without warning, or unexpectedly.

   a sudden attack.

   Antonyms:

   gradual

2. occurring without transition from the previous form, state, etc.; abrupt.

   a sudden turn.

   Antonyms:

   gradual

3. impetuous; rash.

4. Archaic. quickly made or provided.

5. Obsolete. unpremeditated.

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adverb

1. Literary. without warning; suddenly.

noun

1. Obsolete. an unexpected occasion or occurrence.

idioms

1. all of a sudden, without warning; unexpectedly; suddenly. Also on a sudden

sudden British  

/ ˈsʌdən /

adjective

1. occurring or performed quickly and without warning

2. marked by haste; abrupt

3. rare rash; precipitate

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noun

1. archaic an abrupt occurrence or the occasion of such an occurrence (in the phrase on a sudden )

2. without warning; unexpectedly

adverb

1. poetic without warning; suddenly

sudden More Idioms  

1. see all of a sudden.

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Related Words

Sudden, unexpected, abrupt describe acts, events, or conditions for which there has been no preparation or gradual approach. Sudden refers to the quickness of an occurrence, although the event may have been expected: a sudden change in the weather. Unexpected emphasizes the lack of preparedness for what occurs or appears: an unexpected crisis. Abrupt characterizes something involving a swift adjustment; the effect is often unpleasant, unfavorable, or the cause of dismay: He had an abrupt change in manner. The road came to an abrupt end.

Other Word Forms

• suddenly adverb
• suddenness noun

Etymology

Origin of sudden

First recorded in 1250–1300; Middle English adjective and adverb sodain, soden, sodan(e), from Middle French soudain, from Vulgar Latin subitānus, from Latin subitāneus “going or coming stealthily,” equivalent to subitus “sudden, arising without warning” + -āneus composite adjective suffix, equivalent to -ānus + -eus; subito, -an, -eous

Example Sentences

The announcement that the former presenter had been sacked by the BBC caused shock among listeners, and led to mounting pressure on the broadcaster to explain what led to his sudden departure.

From BBC • Apr. 1, 2026

Even before the conflict, consumers were contending with a soft labor market and a savings rate that left little room to absorb a sudden shock.

From Barron's • Apr. 1, 2026

“It’s been astounding,” says Burden of the book’s sudden success.

From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 31, 2026

Snowflake shares are falling on Tuesday as investors weigh the implications of a sudden executive transition.

From MarketWatch • Mar. 31, 2026

Tansy reached for the cowbell to give me a double clang when we all heard a sudden sound from outside: a splintering of wood and a screech, then a howl from J.W.

From "The Teacher’s Funeral" by Richard Peck

Related Words

• abrupt
• hasty
• immediate
• precipitous
• quick
• rapid
• swift
• unforeseen
• unusual