lack of anticipation

Or would it come quick and fast, unsuspected and merciful in lack of anticipation?

He'd heard that tone of voice only twice before from Maurivan, and each time, men had died for disobedience, or lack of anticipation, or for being a trifle too slow.

Pitt, in those first few seconds of shock, was conscious only of his total absence of emotion, as if his complete lack of anticipation had somehow deprived him of any facility to think.

This year's Biennale is as notable for the general lack of anticipation, speculation and word of mouth as it is for the paucity of rumors about lateness, disorganization and empty pavilions.