unforeseen
adjective
un·fore·seen
ˌən-fȯr-ˈsēn 
: 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
Kristin Stoller discusses the rise of tech addiction as a slew of landmark legal cases are brought against Meta, YouTube, and TikTok—an unforeseen consequence of winning the battle for our attention.
—
Francesca Cassidy, Fortune, 10 Apr. 2026
The resolution said the need for emergency custodial services was unforeseen through no fault of the board or district and that the immediate cleaning is necessary to protect the health and safety of students, staff and community.
—Addison Wright, Chicago Tribune, 8 Apr. 2026
At a time when festivals like Sol Blume, Goldensky and Breakaway have been cancelled or postponed, citing costs or unforeseen circumstances, Channel 24 credits the Sacramento community as the key to their success.
—Madisen Keavy, CBS News, 5 Apr. 2026
But if bad weather or any other factors – such as an unforeseen issue with the spacecraft – scuttle liftoff, NASA has other backup dates available April 2-6, as well as April 30.
—Eric Lagatta, USA Today, 1 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for unforeseen
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.
Francesca Cassidy, Fortune, 10 Apr. 2026
The resolution said the need for emergency custodial services was unforeseen through no fault of the board or district and that the immediate cleaning is necessary to protect the health and safety of students, staff and community.
—Addison Wright, Chicago Tribune, 8 Apr. 2026
At a time when festivals like Sol Blume, Goldensky and Breakaway have been cancelled or postponed, citing costs or unforeseen circumstances, Channel 24 credits the Sacramento community as the key to their success.
—Madisen Keavy, CBS News, 5 Apr. 2026
But if bad weather or any other factors – such as an unforeseen issue with the spacecraft – scuttle liftoff, NASA has other backup dates available April 2-6, as well as April 30.
—Eric Lagatta, USA Today, 1 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for unforeseen
Cite this Entry
“Unforeseen.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/unforeseen. Accessed 17 Apr. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
