unforeseen
- 01 B2 Upper Intermediate
adj.describes a situation or event that you did not see coming or expect to happen.
adj.not anticipated or predicted; occurring without prior warning or expectation.
Simple“The project was delayed due to unforeseen problems with the building's foundation.”
In context“The company's sudden bankruptcy was precipitated by a series of unforeseen market shifts that rendered their primary product line obsolete overnight.”
UsageUsually placed before the noun it describes, such as 'unforeseen circumstances' or 'unforeseen consequences'.
Synonyms - 02 C1 Advanced
n.things that happen which were not planned or expected, often used when talking about extra costs.
n.events, incidents, or costs that were not anticipated. Often functions as a collective noun in formal or technical contexts.
Simple“We should keep some extra money in the budget for the unforeseen.”
In context“The contract includes a specific clause to account for the unforeseen, ensuring that neither party is unfairly penalised by external disruptions.”
UsageTypically preceded by the definite article 'the' to function as a collective noun.
Synonyms
“She's not far away." While Hunt finally broke the 11-second barrier in the 100m for the first time this season, there have been unforeseen challenges as far as the 200m is concerned.”
From un- + foreseen.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.