unforeseen

adjective

un·​fore·​seen ˌən-fȯr-ˈsēn 

: not anticipated or expected : not foreseen : unexpected

an unforeseen delay

unforeseen consequences

Synonyms of unforeseen

• sudden
• unexpected

Examples of unforeseen in a Sentence

there are almost always unforeseen consequences for any major endeavor

unforeseen problems delayed the project beyond its deadline

Recent Examples on the Web

Unless there’s some unforeseen change of heart, the grass will be out. — Jim Reineking, USA Today, 22 June 2026

Nothing works — the gun is seized up, the bolt sticking on some unforeseen burr of filament as the plastic slowly breaks in. — Jack Crosbie, Rolling Stone, 17 June 2026

But when unforeseen events strand him millions of miles from Earth, his mission becomes an urgent race against time—driven not by survival alone, but by love. — Anthony D'alessandro, Deadline, 18 June 2026

Building a rainy-day fund is crucial to navigate unforeseen challenges without incurring costly debt. — Rob Falzon, Forbes.com, 25 June 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1651, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for unforeseen

• acetylene
• adamantine
• adenosine
• amphetamine
• anthropocene
• apoprotein
• aquamarine
• arsphenamine
• azobenzene
• buprenorphine
• catecholamine
• chlorobenzene