unforeseen
adjective
un·fore·seen
ˌən-fȯr-ˈsēn 
: not anticipated or expected : not foreseen : unexpected
an unforeseen delay
unforeseen consequences
Synonyms
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
This behavior highlights a critical issue: even systems designed for seemingly harmless tasks can produce unforeseen outcomes when granted enough autonomy.
—
Emil Sayegh, Forbes, 17 Dec. 2024
The swirling track, about a panic attack in London's St. Pancras station, lures us in with its sweet yet eerie string loop before its heavy drumbeat kicks into gear and rockets down an unforeseen path, knocking over every single warning sign along the way.
—EW.com, 14 Dec. 2024
Barring the unforeseen, Adames will not lose his spot on the Giants’ roster anytime soon.
—Justice Delos Santos, The Mercury News, 12 Dec. 2024
Initial predictions forecasted that the property would reopen as soon as 2019, however, the target date has been pushed back several times since then due to unforeseen pandemic delays, in addition to a corruption scandal that arose in 2018.
—Abby Montanez, Robb Report, 10 Dec. 2024
See all Example Sentences for unforeseen 
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
Read More
Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
Send us feedback.
Emil Sayegh, Forbes, 17 Dec. 2024
The swirling track, about a panic attack in London's St. Pancras station, lures us in with its sweet yet eerie string loop before its heavy drumbeat kicks into gear and rockets down an unforeseen path, knocking over every single warning sign along the way.
—EW.com, 14 Dec. 2024
Barring the unforeseen, Adames will not lose his spot on the Giants’ roster anytime soon.
—Justice Delos Santos, The Mercury News, 12 Dec. 2024
Initial predictions forecasted that the property would reopen as soon as 2019, however, the target date has been pushed back several times since then due to unforeseen pandemic delays, in addition to a corruption scandal that arose in 2018.
—Abby Montanez, Robb Report, 10 Dec. 2024
See all Example Sentences for unforeseen
Dictionary Entries Near unforeseen
Cite this Entry
“Unforeseen.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/unforeseen. Accessed 2 Jan. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share