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

The Blossom Festival in Saratoga was cancelled this year due to unforeseen circumstances, according to an announcement by the city. —Nollyanne Delacruz, Mercury News, 10 June 2026

An additional $5 billion would cover unforeseen costs, according to the White House. —Darlene Superville, Los Angeles Times, 10 June 2026

Apart from major scandals and unforeseen political-shaping events, campaigns are often determined by who wins the messaging battle. —Michael Smolens, San Diego Union-Tribune, 7 June 2026

Chwalińska, her last obstacle, was responsible for much of the unforeseen carnage at this year’s French Open. —Matthew Futterman, New York Times, 6 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