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

On a clear night in the Steel City, chaos took hold as the first round of the NFL Draft revealed wrinkles unforeseen to tens of thousands of rabid fans in Pittsburgh. —Luca Evans, Denver Post, 24 Apr. 2026

Three races in, there’ve been unforeseen winners, unpredicted changes to the schedule and the unanticipated reality of regulation changes dawning. —Amanda Davies, CNN Money, 24 Apr. 2026

Rivian has had to navigate some challenges — seen and unforeseen — before getting the first R2 off the line this week. —Robert Channick, Chicago Tribune, 24 Apr. 2026

An unforeseen consequence of war A new report from Moody’s Ratings is warning that helium supply disruptions stemming from the Iran war and conflict in the Middle East are threatening semiconductor supply chains. —Diane Brady, Fortune, 23 Apr. 2026

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