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.
At a time when festivals like Sol Blume, Goldensky and Breakaway have been cancelled or postponed, citing costs or unforeseen circumstances, Channel 24 credits the Sacramento community as the key to their success. Madisen Keavy, CBS News, 5 Apr. 2026 But if bad weather or any other factors – such as an unforeseen issue with the spacecraft – scuttle liftoff, NASA has other backup dates available April 2-6, as well as April 30. Eric Lagatta, USA Today, 1 Apr. 2026 But if bad weather or any other factors like an unforeseen issue with the spacecraft halts the countdown, NASA has several other backup dates available in April. Dale Denwalt, Oklahoman, 31 Mar. 2026 Hefty extra wattage is apparently needed to keep the Mar-a-Lago lights on in the event of an unforeseen disaster such as a war, or flying sports court glass, or a late ketchup delivery. Pat Beall, Sun Sentinel, 27 Mar. 2026 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 8 Apr. 2026.

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