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

An unforeseen opportunity Loftin entered spring training in great shape. — Kansas City Star, 30 July 2026

There also was another unforeseen road block involving a record label. — Chris Murphy, Vanity Fair, 29 July 2026

Historically, new technologies bring unforeseen consequences, and AI is no different. — Benjamin Laker, Forbes.com, 28 July 2026

Reuniting James with coach Erik Spoelstra to form a new big three would have just been an unforeseen bonus. — Eric Nehm, New York Times, 24 July 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