unforeseen

adjective

un·​fore·​seen ˌən-fȯr-ˈsēn 

: not anticipated or expected : not foreseen : unexpected

an unforeseen delay

unforeseen consequences

Synonyms of unforeseen

• sudden
• unexpected

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

In addition, there are unforeseen circumstances that could prompt the use of Flex Alerts and rolling outages in limited areas. — Clara Harter, Los Angeles Times, 11 Sep. 2026

Services must keep running despite delays, connectivity failures, hardware problems and other unforeseen events such as severe weather. — Miroslav Katsarov, Forbes.com, 10 Sep. 2026

Fate can also take a hand, with unforeseen developments bolstering one combatant’s negotiating position. — John R. Bolton, Washington Post, 9 Sep. 2026

Trial runs were executed to ensure nothing unforeseen would happen. — Mark Rice-Oxley, Christian Science Monitor, 4 Sep. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1651, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for unforeseen

• acetylene
• adamantine
• adenosine
• amphetamine
• anthropocene
• apoprotein
• aquamarine
• arsphenamine
• azobenzene
• buprenorphine
• catecholamine
• chlorobenzene