unforeseen

adjective

un·​fore·​seen ˌən-fȯr-ˈsēn How to pronounce unforeseen (audio)
Synonyms of unforeseennext
: not anticipated or expected : not foreseen : unexpected
an unforeseen delay
unforeseen consequences

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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Do not commit to a big overhaul; start with minor renovations to ensure there aren’t any unforeseen issues or problems along the way. Lisa Stardust, Vogue, 2 Mar. 2026 Comprehensive travel insurance that covers cancellations, delays and unforeseen disruptions is also advisable, particularly given the potential for sudden airspace closures or route adjustments. Hana Al-Khodairi, Condé Nast Traveler, 26 Feb. 2026 One park project paired with Mosier Valley encountered an unforeseen engineering issue; another park was added to the project package, pushing the schedule back by two months, according to Joel McElhany, Fort Worth’s assistant director of parks planning and resource management. Kamal Morgan, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 26 Feb. 2026 Following an uphill battle to turn Help(2) from idea to reality in its earlier stages, the War Child team soon faced a new, unforeseen challenge that nearly set the project off course. Sophie Williams, Billboard, 26 Feb. 2026 See All Example Sentences for unforeseen

Word History

First Known Use

1651, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of unforeseen was in 1651

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Unforeseen.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/unforeseen. Accessed 7 Mar. 2026.

More from Merriam-Webster on unforeseen

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

More from Merriam-Webster