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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.
Barring any unforeseen circumstances, Semien will take over second base as Francisco Lindor's double play partner. Drew Vonscio, MSNBC Newsweek, 3 Dec. 2025 Barring unforeseen circumstances, Gray will be one of Boston’s most important starters next season, and the Red Sox were able to get him without having to give up any of their top prospects. Mac Cerullo, Boston Herald, 26 Nov. 2025 According to a team source, nothing is imminent on that front, and Bump is likely to remain in the AHL for now, barring any unforeseen circumstances. Kevin Kurz, New York Times, 19 Nov. 2025 The escape or release of either one could result in ecological imbalances and unforeseen interactions with extant species that we humans, who aren’t all-powerful, could find impossible to manage and control. JSTOR Daily, 13 Nov. 2025 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

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Cite this Entry

“Unforeseen.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/unforeseen. Accessed 8 Dec. 2025.

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