adj B2 Upper-Intermediate Uncommon

unforeseen

uhn-faw-SEEN

Unforeseen (adj) means not expected or predicted in advance. Example: “The project was delayed by unforeseen circumstances.”

adj

Not expected or predicted in advance.

"The project was delayed by unforeseen circumstances."

"An unforeseen problem with the plumbing added weeks to the renovation."

How to use unforeseen

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishSomething that no one predicted would happen.

Common pairings

unforeseen circumstances unforeseen consequences unforeseen delay

unforeseens plural

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The project was delayed by _____ circumstances.

From un- + foreseen.

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What does “unforeseen” mean?

The word “unforeseen” means not expected or predicted in advance. In plain terms, something that no one predicted would happen.

How do you pronounce “unforeseen”?

“Unforeseen” is pronounced uhn-faw-SEEN (/ˌʌnfɔɹˈsin/ in IPA).

How do you use “unforeseen” in a sentence?

Here is “unforeseen” used in a sentence: “The project was delayed by unforeseen circumstances.”

What part of speech is “unforeseen”?

“Unforeseen” is an adjective.

Is “unforeseen” a common word?

“Unforeseen” is an uncommon word in modern English, usually learned at around the B2 level.

Vocabulary lists that include unforeseen: