What type of irony occurs when the opposite of what is expected happens?

Situational irony is defined by the occurrence of an outcome that is contrary to what was anticipated, creating a surprising twist in events. This type of irony emphasizes the disparity between what a character, or even the audience, expects to happen and what actually transpires. For instance, if a firefighter’s house burns down, the expectation is that a firefighter would always be prepared for such a situation, which makes the outcome ironic.

This differs from other types of irony. Verbal irony involves a speaker saying one thing but meaning another, often for humorous or emphatic effect. Dramatic irony occurs when the audience knows more about a situation than some characters do, creating tension as the audience anticipates the character's realization. Cosmic irony reflects a belief that a higher power or fate is playing a cruel joke on humans, often indicating a sense of helplessness against unpredictable forces. Understanding these distinctions helps clarify why situational irony specifically addresses unexpected outcomes.