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

Concerns about the staying power of inflation and uncertainties about the Trump administration’s macroeconomic policies suggest the issue — particularly in the housing market — could persist for the foreseeable future. —Sylvan Lane, The Hill, 17 Apr. 2025

Endowments are managed in a way that those organizations can rely on them for support in the here-and-now, but also far into the foreseeable future. —Thomas G. Moukawsher, MSNBC Newsweek, 17 Apr. 2025

Reconciliation is highly unlikely in the foreseeable future. —Stephanie Nolasco, FOXNews.com, 17 Apr. 2025

All other plot details are encased in carbonite for the foreseeable future. —Angelique Jackson, Variety, 16 Apr. 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