If something that has happened was unforeseen, it was not expected to happen or known about beforehand.
Radiation may damage cells in a way that was previously unforeseen.
Unfortunately, due to unforeseen circumstances, this year's show has been cancelled.
Ring regularly to check that no unforeseen problems have arisen.
Synonyms: unexpected, unanticipated, unpredicted, surprise More Synonyms of unforeseen
unforeseen in British English
(ˌʌnfɔːˈsiːn)
adjective
not seen or known beforehand; unanticipated
Examples of 'unforeseen' in a sentence
unforeseen
There is always something unforeseen that is bound to go awry.
Kiam, Victor Going For It!: How to Succeed As an Entrepreneur (1986)
Generally you are dealing with unforeseen circumstances that could give rise to a loss.
Times, Sunday Times (2008)
But life is always full of unforeseen circumstances.
Pete Cohen and Sten Cummins with Jennai Cox HABIT BUSTING: A 10-step plan that will change your life (2002)
My boss at my new job bought two tickets to the theatre but due to unforeseen circumstances he can no longer go.
Times, Sunday Times (2012)
Most small businesses have cash savings to last only two weeks if unforeseen circumstances were to force them to cease trading temporarily.
Times, Sunday Times (2014)
There are delays, unforeseen problems occur and some things do not go according to plan.
Times, Sunday Times (2013)
Be aware of unforeseen costs.
The Sun (2014)
Another €100,000 went on unforeseen costs.
Times, Sunday Times (2012)
But there were unforeseen problems.
Times, Sunday Times (2007)
Some pastors incur significant debts due to uninsured illnesses or other unforeseen circumstances, or excessive consumer spending on multiple credit cards.
Christianity Today (2000)
They will require significant savings for the build, as well as an emergency fund for any unforeseen costs that may crop up.
Times, Sunday Times (2008)
You should have a contingency plan for unforeseen circumstances, so make sure you borrow enough when remortgaging to cover unexpected additional costs.
Times, Sunday Times (2010)
Trading Leather will only go to Epsom if something unforeseen happens to the other horse.
Times, Sunday Times (2013)
He said: 'It was something unforeseen.
The Sun (2013)
Such are the unforeseen problems of life after 737 games for Liverpool.
Times, Sunday Times (2013)
After all, if we found a way round it, something unforeseen would only go wrong.
Times, Sunday Times (2008)
Due to unforeseen technical problems, the Commons gravy train has been temporarily suspended.
Times, Sunday Times (2009)
The reception had to be cancelled'due to unforeseen circumstances '.
Times, Sunday Times (2008)
The problem is the unpredictability of mere humans - when pedestrians and cyclists do something unforeseen, for example.
Times, Sunday Times (2015)
In addition a back-up crew is ready at a moment's notice in case of illness or some other unforeseen circumstance.
Brian Hoey AT HOME WITH THE QUEEN: The Inside Story of the Royal Household (2002)
As well as having enough money to cover the mortgage, you have to budget for unforeseen costs, such as boiler parts and roof repairs.
Times, Sunday Times (2013)
In other languages
unforeseen
British English: unforeseen ADJECTIVE
If something that has happened was unforeseen, it was not expected to happen or known about beforehand.
Radiation may damage cells in a way that was previously unforeseen.
American English: unforeseen
Brazilian Portuguese: imprevisto
Chinese: 未预见的
European Spanish: imprevisto
French: imprévu
German: unvorhergesehen
Italian: imprevisto
Japanese: 予期しない
Korean: 예기치 못한
European Portuguese: imprevisto
Latin American Spanish: imprevisto
(adjective)
Definition
surprising because not expected
Due to unforeseen circumstances, the show has been cancelled.
Synonyms
unexpected
His death was totally unexpected.
unanticipated
unpredicted
surprise
surprising
A surprising number of customers order the same sandwich each day.
sudden
It was all very sudden.
startling
His hair was dyed a startling black.
accidental
The jury returned a verdict of accidental death.
abrupt
His abrupt departure is bound to raise questions.
out of the blue
unlooked-for
This unlooked-for opportunity couldn't be lost.
unenvisaged
Opposites
expected
,
predicted
,
anticipated
,
envisaged
,
foreseen
Additional synonyms
in the sense of abrupt
Definition
sudden or unexpected
His abrupt departure is bound to raise questions.
Synonyms
sudden,
unexpected,
hurried,
rapid,
surprising,
quick,
swift,
rash,
precipitate,
hasty,
impulsive,
headlong,
unforeseen,
unanticipated
in the sense of accidental
Definition
occurring by chance or unintentionally
The jury returned a verdict of accidental death.
Synonyms
unintentional,
unexpected,
incidental,
unforeseen,
unintended,
unplanned,
unpremeditated
in the sense of startling
His hair was dyed a startling black.
Synonyms
surprising,
shocking,
alarming,
extraordinary,
sudden,
unexpected,
staggering,
unforeseen,
jaw-dropping
Synonyms of 'unforeseen'
unforeseen
Explore 'unforeseen' in the dictionary
Additional synonyms
in the sense of sudden
Definition
occurring or performed quickly and without warning
It was all very sudden.
Synonyms
quick,
rapid,
unexpected,
swift,
hurried,
abrupt,
hasty,
impulsive,
unforeseen
in the sense of surprising
A surprising number of customers order the same sandwich each day.