B1adjective1K

Sudden

UK /["/ˈsʌdn/"]/US /["/ˈsʌdn/"]/

Definition

happening or done quickly and unexpectedly

In simple words: happening quickly and without warning

Examples

  • News of his **sudden** and unexpected **death** came as a great shock.
  • a **sudden change** in temperature
  • There were several sudden bursts of gunfire outside.
  • It was only decided yesterday. It's all been very sudden.
  • Don't make any sudden movements.
  • His death was very sudden.
  • All of a sudden someone grabbed me around the neck.

Usage notes

Use 'sudden' to describe things that happen quickly or unexpectedly, like a sudden change in weather. It's appropriate in both spoken and written English, but may not be used in very formal contexts.

Grammar pattern

sudden + noun

Memory hint

Think of 'sud-den' like a 'sudden stop' of a car.

Collocations

  • sudden change
  • sudden stop
  • sudden increase
  • sudden movement

Synonyms

  • unexpected
  • suddenness
  • swift
  • abrupt
  • instant

Antonyms

  • gradual
  • slow

Common mistakes

  • Confused with 'suddenly' — 'sudden' describes a noun, while 'suddenly' modifies a verb.
  • Using 'sudden' to describe ongoing actions instead of events.
  • Misplacing 'sudden' in sentences, leading to unclear meaning.