foresight

noun

fore·​sight ˈfȯr-ˌsīt 

1

: an act or the power of foreseeing : prescience

Through foresight she could tell what the outcome would be.

2

: provident care : prudence

had the foresight to invest his money wisely

3

: an act of looking forward

also : a view forward

foresighted

ˈfȯr-ˌsī-təd 

adjective

foresightedly adverb

foresightedness noun

foresightful

ˈfȯr-ˌsīt-fəl 

adjective

Synonyms

• foreknowledge
• prescience
• divination

Examples of foresight in a Sentence

They had the foresight to invest the money wisely.

His career choice shows a lack of foresight.

Recent Examples on the Web

Businesses are being challenged to respond with greater agility and foresight. —Tom Strohl, Forbes.com, 7 July 2025

Autism experts talk through strategies for how families can plan the July Fourth holiday with their kids For kids who have autism, the July Fourth holiday can require planning, strategizing, and foresight to keep the holiday low-stress and enjoyable. —Beki San Martin, Freep.com, 4 July 2025

Her analysis demonstrates Douglass’s historical foresight, reinforcing his ongoing relevance. —Ed Gaskin, Boston Herald, 4 July 2025

Don't, under any circumstances, forget towels – showing foresight is key. —Ana Gutierrez, Austin American Statesman, 2 July 2025

Word History

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for foresight

• acolyte
• aconite
• allanite
• alunite
• amberlite
• ammonite
• amorite
• amphitrite
• analyte
• anchorite
• andesite
• anhydrite

Kids Definition

foresight

noun

fore·​sight ˈfō(ə)r-ˌsīt 

ˈfȯ(ə)r-

1

: the act or power of foreseeing

2

: care or preparation for the future

had the foresight to invest his money wisely

foresighted

-ˌsīt-əd 

adjective

foresightedly adverb

foresightedness noun