foreseeable

adjective

fore·​see·​able fȯr-ˈsē-ə-bəl 

1

: being such as may be reasonably anticipated

foreseeable problems

foreseeable consequences

2

: lying within the range for which forecasts are possible

in the foreseeable future

foreseeability

fȯr-ˌsē-ə-ˈbi-lə-tē 

noun

Examples of foreseeable in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

For the foreseeable future, specifics about the allegations against Teran — including whose records may be involved — may remain a mystery, as Spertus said the more detailed affidavit filed last week alongside the criminal complaint has been kept secret. —Keri Blakinger, Los Angeles Times, 29 Apr. 2024

If a century of failure has made clear that the two sides are unlikely to be reconciled in the foreseeable future, the war in Gaza has exposed the terrifying cataclysm that poor handling of the conflict can bring about. —Tom Segev, Foreign Affairs, 23 Apr. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

1804, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing foreseeable

• in/for the foreseeable future

Legal Definition

foreseeable

adjective

fore·​see·​able fōr-ˈsē-ə-bəl 

: such as reasonably can or should be anticipated : such that a person of ordinary prudence would expect to occur or exist under the circumstances

a foreseeable risk

the foreseeable expenses

a foreseeable plaintiff

foreseeably adverb