unforeseen
adjective
un·fore·seen
ˌən-fȯr-ˈsēn 
: 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
The family visas, in particular, led to an unforeseen boom in immigration.
—
Albert Sun,
New York Times,
2 July 2026
Legislators ordered the transit authority to complete at least 50% of the Red Line, which has been in the works for decades, before completing any other rail projects unless an unforeseen, extraordinary event upends the project.
—
Mary Ramsey
updated June 30,
Charlotte Observer,
30 June 2026
Bullard said meetings with the legislature will occur every 90 days and, if an unforeseen circumstance arises, the agency would have to enter into emergency appropriation conversations.
—
Jillian Taylor,
StateImpact,
30 June 2026
The whole point of The Pitt’s one-shift model is that no one in the ER can predict what kind of day this will be or whether the end of the shift will look anything like the beginning — every new event is an unforeseen development.
—
Kathryn Vanarendonk,
Vulture,
26 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for unforeseen
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Albert Sun,
New York Times,
2 July 2026
Legislators ordered the transit authority to complete at least 50% of the Red Line, which has been in the works for decades, before completing any other rail projects unless an unforeseen, extraordinary event upends the project.
—
Mary Ramsey
updated June 30,
Charlotte Observer,
30 June 2026
Bullard said meetings with the legislature will occur every 90 days and, if an unforeseen circumstance arises, the agency would have to enter into emergency appropriation conversations.
—
Jillian Taylor,
StateImpact,
30 June 2026
The whole point of The Pitt’s one-shift model is that no one in the ER can predict what kind of day this will be or whether the end of the shift will look anything like the beginning — every new event is an unforeseen development.
—
Kathryn Vanarendonk,
Vulture,
26 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for unforeseen
Cite this Entry
“Unforeseen.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/unforeseen. Accessed 5 Jul. 2026.
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