Ootamatutest

Ootamatutest is a term used in Estonian language to denote “of the unexpected” and is also a grammatical form—specifically the genitive plural of the adjective ootamatu. In Estonian, ootamatu means surprising or unforeseen, and ootamatutest appears when the phrase modifies a plural noun in a genitive construction, for example in “ootamatutest sündmustest” (of the unexpected events) or “ootamatutest olukordadest” (of the unexpected situations). The form is common in journalism, literary prose, and academic writing when discussing events that were not anticipated, risk assessment, and narrative description of surprises.

Etymology and form: The word is formed from ootamatu + the genitive plural suffix -test, illustrating how adjectives agree with nouns in case and number. Usage notes: The -test ending signals that the associated noun is in plural genitive or related constructions, and may appear after prepositions that require genitive.

Examples of usage: In journalism, a sentence such as “uudistes kajati ootamatutest muutustest plaani elluviimises” signals coverage of changes that were not planned. In prose, an author might write “ootamatutest tulemuste tõttu tekkinud olukorrad,” describing situations arising from unexpected results. In everyday Estonian, the form helps convey emphasis on unpredictability and surprise.

See also: Estonian grammar, Estonian adjectives, genitive case.