foresight

noun

fore·​sight ˈfȯr-ˌsīt How to pronounce foresight (audio)
1
: an act or the power of foreseeing : prescience
Through foresight she could tell what the outcome would be.
2
: provident care : prudence
had the foresight to invest his money wisely
3
: an act of looking forward
also : a view forward
foresighted adjective
foresightedly adverb
foresightedness noun
foresightful adjective

Examples of foresight in a Sentence

They had the foresight to invest the money wisely. His career choice shows a lack of foresight.
Recent Examples on the Web Thanks to the foresight of conservationists, that’s not the case here at Duette, where endangered habitats and animals, like the Florida scrub jay and its synonymous Florida scrub, are actually rebounding. Ryan Ballogg, Miami Herald, 29 Feb. 2024 This represents a significant technological advancement that allows businesses to break away from conventional decision-making routes, introducing a new era of accuracy and foresight. Sanjay Bhatia, Forbes, 21 Feb. 2024 Preservationist Vic Hood independently had the foresight to purchase the log structure (otherwise slated for destruction by developers), recognizing its historical and architectural value. Bill Frist, Forbes, 19 Feb. 2024 Our Founders had the foresight to create this avenue for states to rein in an overreaching federal government should Congress fail to do so. Lisa B. Nelson, Sun Sentinel, 17 Jan. 2024 After all, the division rival Green Bay Packers created their charmed life at the position in part because of the foresight to do so with Aaron Rodgers in 2005 and with Jordan Love in 2020. Dave Campbell, USA TODAY, 10 Jan. 2024 Managing a disease like that requires foresight and proactive measures. Katie Hill, Outdoor Life, 4 Jan. 2024 These leaders foster inclusive cultures, articulate and pursue clear visions and navigate the complex interplay between technological innovation, community dynamics and business pressures with finesse and foresight. Vladyslav Matsiiako, Forbes, 14 Feb. 2024 Teasing is also impressive, demanding social savvy and foresight: To push past others’ psychological limits, successful provocateurs must be intimately familiar with them. Katherine J. Wu, The Atlantic, 14 Feb. 2024

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'foresight.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of foresight was in the 14th century

Dictionary Entries Near foresight

Cite this Entry

“Foresight.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/foresight. Accessed 19 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

foresight

noun
fore·​sight ˈfō(ə)r-ˌsīt How to pronounce foresight (audio)
ˈfȯ(ə)r-
1
: the act or power of foreseeing
2
: care or preparation for the future
had the foresight to invest his money wisely
foresighted adjective
foresightedly adverb
foresightedness noun

More from Merriam-Webster on foresight

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