What term is used for a situation where the result is the opposite of what is expected?

Situational irony describes a scenario in which there is a significant difference between what is expected to happen and what actually occurs. This type of irony often highlights a twist in fate or an unexpected outcome that can lead to humor or poignancy in a narrative. For instance, if a fire station burns down, the expectation is that it would be the safest place from fires, creating an ironic situation when the opposite happens.

In contrast, other forms of irony, such as verbal irony, involve saying one thing but meaning another, and dramatic irony occurs when the audience knows more about a situation than the characters do. Cosmic irony refers to a situation where fate or a higher power seems to play a cruel joke on a character. These distinctions emphasize why situational irony is the most fitting term for instances where outcomes are contrary to what one anticipates.