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

Human talent will be a bottleneck for the foreseeable future. —Andy Browne, semafor.com, 17 Mar. 2026

Credibly balancing against China in the foreseeable future will require husbanding resources more carefully. —Ely Ratner, Washington Post, 16 Mar. 2026

IndyCar’s owner, longtime racing magnate Roger Penske, sold a one-third stake in the series to the Fox Corporation in July 2025, thus ensuring its races will be carried on a major network for the foreseeable future. —Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 15 Mar. 2026

In the meantime, the critical Strait of Hormuz — through which more than 20% of the world's oil supply must pass to reach global markets — will remain closed for the foreseeable future. —Steve Kopack, NBC news, 15 Mar. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1804, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing foreseeable

• in/for the foreseeable future

Rhymes for foreseeable

• agreeable
• disagreeable
• unenviable
• unforeseeable
• friable

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