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

Especially for legacy retailers with decades old technology still in use, the unforeseen, unwanted impacts of new software can be devastating. — Richard Kestenbaum, Forbes.com, 23 July 2026

The KitKat heist is proof that even a 90-year-old brand inside one of the world’s largest food companies can still respond quickly to unforeseen events. — Sam Birchall, Fortune, 20 July 2026

Whitehead tends to use familiar narrative mechanisms (especially those belonging to genres like noir, horror, crime, and adventure) to chart unforeseen sensations or realities. — Niela Orr, Vulture, 20 July 2026

Players will experience unforeseen bounces, and shots will cascade down undulations and into tricky pot bunkers. — Gabby Herzig, New York Times, 16 July 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