unforeseen

adjective

un·​fore·​seen ˌən-fȯr-ˈsēn 

: not anticipated or expected : not foreseen : unexpected

an unforeseen delay

unforeseen consequences

Synonyms

• abrupt
• sudden
• unanticipated
• unexpected
• unlooked-for

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

Public health epidemics, cybersecurity attacks, economic fluctuations, market disruptions, and other unforeseen challenges can greatly impact a business. —John Hall, Forbes.com, 30 Mar. 2025

Oftentimes, even critical generic medications are limited to just a few suppliers, creating significant issues during any sort of unforeseen emergency. —William Jones, USA Today, 28 Mar. 2025

Unless something unforeseen happens, Nico Hoerner will be ready to start against the Diamondbacks. —Sahadev Sharma, New York Times, 27 Mar. 2025

Historically, Neptune in Aries brings uprisings and unforeseen changes, with ideologies and thoughts that veer from the status quo. —Lisa Stardust, Refinery29, 27 Mar. 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