unforeseeable

adjective

un·​fore·​see·​able ˌən-fȯr-ˈsē-ə-bəl How to pronounce unforeseeable (audio)
: not able to be reasonably anticipated or expected : not foreseeable
an unforeseeable event/problem
unforeseeably adverb

Examples of unforeseeable in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web To hear Daboll tell it, the injury to Gano on Sunday’s opening kickoff was an entirely unforeseeable event. Howard Megdal, Forbes, 16 Sep. 2024 Nonetheless, Reesa’s intent to help those facing similar struggles is commendable, and her transparency undoubtedly resonated with a vast audience, but the danger inherent in sharing personal stories on platforms like TikTok lies in the unforeseeable consequences. Niki McGloster, refinery29.com, 26 Feb. 2024 But the durability of this relationship, absent major unforeseeable disruptions, will depend on China’s ability to manage a weakening Russia. Alexander Gabuev, Foreign Affairs, 12 Apr. 2023 Additionally, our extended family on my husband’s side is extremely upset at me for taking their grandchildren away from them for the unforeseeable future. Harriette Cole, The Mercury News, 7 Aug. 2024 See all Example Sentences for unforeseeable 

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'unforeseeable.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

1672, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of unforeseeable was in 1672

Dictionary Entries Near unforeseeable

Cite this Entry

“Unforeseeable.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/unforeseeable. Accessed 3 Oct. 2024.

Legal Definition

unforeseeable

adjective
un·​fore·​see·​able
ˌən-fōr-ˈsē-ə-bəl
: not capable of being reasonably anticipated or expected : such that a person of ordinary prudence would not expect to occur or exist under the circumstances
an unforeseeable misuse
an unforeseeable injury
unforeseeability
-ˌsē-ə-ˈbi-lə-tē
noun

More from Merriam-Webster on unforeseeable

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