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 unforeseen circumstances, at worst, Toews is planning to potentially join his Canadian teammates a little late in Italy. Corey Masisak, Denver Post, 31 Dec. 2025 But the technology’s promise means nothing if Americans can’t predict how these cars are going to act when the power goes out or when there’s some other unforeseen disaster. Patrick George, The Atlantic, 22 Dec. 2025 Which can have unforeseen consequences. David Zane Mairowitz, Rolling Stone, 22 Dec. 2025 Recently news outlets reported that layoff announcements have reached pandemic levels, which is highly concerning, but certainly not unforeseen. Gabby Burlacu, Fortune, 18 Dec. 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 3 Jan. 2026.

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