unforeseen

adjective

un·​fore·​seen ˌən-fȯr-ˈsēn 

: not anticipated or expected : not foreseen : unexpected

an unforeseen delay

unforeseen consequences

Synonyms

• 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

How would that have impacted you in unforeseen ways? —Dr. Diane Hamilton, Forbes.com, 14 Sep. 2025

An unforeseen contribution from Juno Juno, meanwhile, has been orbiting Jupiter since 2016, collecting information on the giant planet's internal structure, magnetic field, and atmosphere. —Stephen Clark, ArsTechnica, 12 Sep. 2025

AQIs may also lag behind unforeseen temperature changes. —Matt Fuchs, Time, 10 Sep. 2025

But something unforeseen must have happened, because Waller did not practice at all Thursday; the team listed a hip injury beside his name on the injury report. —Barry Jackson, Miami Herald, 4 Sep. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1651, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for unforeseen

• acetylene
• adenosine
• amphetamine
• anthropocene
• antipyrine
• apomorphine
• apoprotein
• aquamarine
• arsphenamine
• azobenzene
• buprenorphine
• chlorobenzene