Synonyms of unforeseen

unforeseen

adjective

ˌən-fȯr-ˈsēn 

as in sudden

not expected

there are almost always unforeseen consequences for any major endeavor

unforeseen problems delayed the project beyond its deadline

Synonyms & Similar Words

• sudden
• unexpected
• unanticipated
• abrupt
• unlooked-for
• unlikely
• unintended
• unplanned
• improbable
• startling
• surprising

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• anticipated
• foreseen
• expected
• predicted
• prophesied
• unsurprising

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of unforeseen

Trial runs were executed to ensure nothing unforeseen would happen. — Mark Rice-Oxley, Christian Science Monitor, 4 Sep. 2026

Can this connection roll with an unforeseen professional development that’s unfolding? — Usa Today, USA Today, 28 Aug. 2026

Butler said that, barring any unforeseen issues, the agency will own the house within the next two months. — Noah Daly august 27, Idaho Statesman, 27 Aug. 2026

And there is a reasonable likelihood that two of them will end up playing each other on Arthur Ashe either for history, or for the chance to make it, which will lead to unforeseen levels of patriotic tension. — Ava Wallace, New York Times, 23 Aug. 2026