unforeseen
gb/ˌʌnfɔɹsˈin/ us/ˌʌnfɔɹsˈin/
B2
English
Senses
0 senses
adjective
formal
B2
property
1
not expected or predicted
not expected; happening suddenly
Usage pattern:
[an unforeseen event/problem/difficulty]
Common mistake:
Often confused with "unpredictable"; "unforeseen" emphasizes that it was not anticipated beforehand (even if it could have been).
Synonyms
unexpected (More common and neutral; less formal than "unforeseen".)
|
unanticipated (Very close in meaning; often used in formal writing.)
Antonyms
expected (Anticipated in advance.)
|
foreseen (Predicted or known ahead of time.)
Collocations
unforeseen circumstances
|unforeseen events
|unforeseen problems
|unforeseen difficulties
|unforeseen delays
|unforeseen changes
|unforeseen complications
|an unforeseen issue
|unforeseen obstacles
|an unforeseen development
Themes
daily_life
|news
|planning
Examples
- An unforeseen storm forced the flight to turn back.
- The project ran over budget because of unforeseen delays.
- We had to change our plans due to an unforeseen family emergency.
Learner examples
- The delay was unforeseen.
- We had an unforeseen problem.
adjective
formal
C1
property
2
not planned or provided for
not included in a plan or budget
Usage pattern:
[unforeseen expenses/costs/contingencies]
Common mistake:
Learners may say "unforeseen cost" when they mean "hidden cost"; "unforeseen" means not anticipated, not intentionally concealed.
Synonyms
unbudgeted (Specific to budgets and accounting; narrower than "unforeseen".)
|
unplanned (More general and less formal; focuses on lack of planning.)
Antonyms
budgeted (Included in the budget or plan.)
|
planned (Prepared for in advance.)
Collocations
unforeseen expenses
|unforeseen costs
|unforeseen expenditure
|unforeseen contingencies
|unforeseen outlays
|cover unforeseen expenses
|allow for unforeseen costs
|an allowance for unforeseen expenses
|unforeseen liabilities
|unforeseen repairs
Themes
business
|money
|law
|planning
Examples
- The insurance policy covers certain unforeseen expenses during travel.
- The contract includes a clause for unforeseen contingencies.
- They set aside money for unforeseen repairs to the building.
Learner examples
- We saved money for unforeseen costs.
- This fee was unforeseen.
Grammar
Dictionary form
unforeseen
IPA
GB/ˌʌnfɔɹsˈin/
US/ˌʌnfɔɹsˈin/
Syllables & stress
un - fore - seen (3 syllables)
Stress on 3rd syllable (seen)
Word forms
Adjective
- Base: unforeseen
Expressions
allow for unforeseen circumstances
1/əlˈaʊ fɚ ˌʌnfɔɹsˈin sˈɚkəmstˌænsɪz/
fixed phrase
formal
prepare for unexpected events
plan extra time or money for surprises
Examples
- We built in a buffer to allow for unforeseen circumstances.
- Any schedule should allow for unforeseen circumstances like illness or delays.
- The budget allows for unforeseen circumstances by including a contingency fund.
unforeseen circumstances
1/ˌʌnfɔɹsˈin sˈɚkəmstˌænsɪz/
fixed phrase
formal
unexpected situation causing change
unexpected events that change plans
Examples
- The meeting was postponed due to unforeseen circumstances.
- We apologize for the cancellation caused by unforeseen circumstances.
- The refund applies only in cases of unforeseen circumstances.
unforeseen consequences
1/ˌʌnfɔɹsˈin kˈɑnsəkwˌɛnsɪz/
fixed phrase
formal
results not expected beforehand
unexpected results from an action
Examples
- The new law had unforeseen consequences for small businesses.
- Lowering the price led to unforeseen consequences in the supply chain.
- Even small changes can produce unforeseen consequences.