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

When a sizeable crowd was expected for the decisive group stage match against German champions FC Bayern, the club were embarrassingly forced to move the game to Borehamwood after an unforeseen stadium clash with the Arsenal men’s team. —Asif Burhan, Forbes.com, 10 June 2025

As Iris goes to extreme lengths to navigate this unforeseen crisis, the film winds its way through the woes of the current dating era — communication breakdowns, commitment-phobia and all. —Natalie Oganesyan, Deadline, 9 June 2025

Deshaun Watson is one of those five quarterbacks, although he is not expected to play barring an unforeseen change. —Evan Massey, MSNBC Newsweek, 6 June 2025

The telescope's images included unforeseen artifacts, such as noise patterns and distortions, which the team had to carefully correct. —Sharmila Kuthunur, Space.com, 5 June 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