foreseeable

adjective

fore·​see·​able fȯr-ˈsē-ə-bəl 

1

: being such as may be reasonably anticipated

foreseeable problems

foreseeable consequences

2

: lying within the range for which forecasts are possible

in the foreseeable future

foreseeability

fȯr-ˌsē-ə-ˈbi-lə-tē 

noun

Examples of foreseeable in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Pretoria must now accept that Washington will inflame racial tensions in South Africa for the foreseeable future. —Sizwe Mpofu Walsh, Time, 23 May 2025

And who is going to be her rock throughout the foreseeable future? —Matt Webb Mitovich, TVLine, 22 May 2025

For the foreseeable future, Britain’s path lies outside the EU. —Mark Sappenfield, Christian Science Monitor, 22 May 2025

Beren Cross found out about a £50,000 deal put together by the club that has protected the pitch for the foreseeable future, and potentially for centuries. —Phil Hay, New York Times, 22 May 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1804, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing foreseeable

• in/for the foreseeable future

Rhymes for foreseeable

• agreeable
• disagreeable
• unenviable
• unforeseeable
• friable

Legal Definition

foreseeable

adjective

fore·​see·​able fōr-ˈsē-ə-bəl 

: such as reasonably can or should be anticipated : such that a person of ordinary prudence would expect to occur or exist under the circumstances

a foreseeable risk

the foreseeable expenses

a foreseeable plaintiff

foreseeably adverb