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

While economists and financial analysts debate whether this on-again/off-again trade war fits into their model for geopolitical, economic, or supply chain risks, the result is the same: uncertainty and chaos sure to shake up business strategy for the foreseeable future. —Forrester, Forbes.com, 4 June 2025

Alldredge said the focus for the foreseeable future will be on acquiring other hospitality or entertainment concepts, or teaming up with cities to share costs and planning. —David Hudnall, Kansas City Star, 4 June 2025

For mortgage rates, which many Americans are hoping would come down soon, that likely means little to no movement in the foreseeable future. —Giulia Carbonaro, MSNBC Newsweek, 4 June 2025

Joel, 76, recently canceled all his shows for the foreseeable future due to a recent diagnosis of an abnormal buildup of fluid within his brain. —Brian Niemietz, New York Daily News, 3 June 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