What type of irony occurs when a situation contradicts the expected outcome?

Situational irony occurs when there is a discrepancy between what is expected to happen and what actually happens. It highlights the unpredictability of life, often resulting in an outcome that is contrary to what one anticipates. For instance, if a fire station burns down, it presents a situation where the expected outcome (that a fire station is safe from fires due to its purpose) is completely contradicted by the reality (the fire station is destroyed by fire). This type of irony can create humor, emphasize a point, or showcase the complexities of reality, making it a compelling narrative device.

In contrast, verbal irony involves someone saying one thing but meaning another, often for humorous or emphatic effect. Dramatic irony occurs when the audience knows something that the characters do not, creating tension or anticipation. Structural irony refers to a fundamental discord in a work, where a narrative or character reveals a deeper underlying truth that contrasts with surface-level perceptions. Each of these other forms of irony serves unique purposes within storytelling but does not specifically fit the definition of a situation where the actual outcome contradicts what is expected.