Word
foreseeable
Phoneticsfore·see·able
US/fɔɹˈsiəbəɫ/
UK/fɔːsˈiːəbəl/
Definition
adj. describing something that you can predict or expect to happen because of what you know now.
adj. capable of being anticipated or predicted based on current evidence. Often used in the fixed phrase 'the foreseeable future' to describe a period that is not too far away.
Examples
“The company faces no foreseeable problems this year.”
“Due to the ongoing construction, the road will remain closed for the foreseeable future.”
“While the immediate results were positive, the long-term impact of the policy change remains unclear beyond the foreseeable horizon of the next fiscal quarter.”
Examples
simple
“The company faces no foreseeable problems this year.”
contextual
“Due to the ongoing construction, the road will remain closed for the foreseeable future.”
complex
“While the immediate results were positive, the long-term impact of the policy change remains unclear beyond the foreseeable horizon of the next fiscal quarter.”
Collocations
Common phrases and expressions where native English speakers use the word “foreseeable” in context.
Usage
Commonly used in the set phrase 'in the foreseeable future'. Often appears after 'no' or 'any' to indicate the limits of prediction.
Real-World Examples
“However, the Carney government already plans to outspend revenues by tens of billions each year for the foreseeable future, so federal tax cuts seem unlikely.” “For the foreseeable future, in-space repairs are likely off the table.” Etymology
From foresee + -able.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Word family
VERB
ADJECTIVE
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.B2 FirstIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.5.5–6.5TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 4.0–4.572–94TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.785–944
- Frequency
- Frequent
- Level
- B2 · Upper Intermediate
- Updated
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englishreference.com/q/foreseeable