unforeseen

adjective

un·​fore·​seen ˌən-fȯr-ˈsēn 

: not anticipated or expected : not foreseen : unexpected

an unforeseen delay

unforeseen consequences

Synonyms

• sudden
• unexpected

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

AQIs may also lag behind unforeseen temperature changes. —Matt Fuchs, Time, 10 Sep. 2025

That means – barring an unforeseen leap from one of those guys – the Lakers will need to acquire a player to wear this hat for them. —Mat Issa, Forbes.com, 8 Sep. 2025

But something unforeseen must have happened, because Waller did not practice at all Thursday; the team listed a hip injury beside his name on the injury report. —Barry Jackson, Miami Herald, 4 Sep. 2025

This time around, it is expected that Richardson's time on the sidelines will be far more extended, barring a significant change of heart from Steichen or an unforeseen injury. —MSNBC Newsweek, 3 Sep. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1651, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for unforeseen

• acetylene
• adenosine
• amphetamine
• anthropocene
• antipyrine
• apomorphine
• apoprotein
• aquamarine
• arsphenamine
• azobenzene
• buprenorphine
• chlorobenzene