unforeseen
un-for-SEEN
/ˌʌn.fɔːˈsiːn/
Not anticipated, expected, or predicted.
Focuses on the unexpected nature of an event or circumstance rather than the emotion felt.
The story behind the word. Formed in Germanic English by combining three elements: 'un-' (negation), 'fore-' (front/prior), and 'seen' (past participle of see). It means literally 'not seen in advance'.
Word relationships
- unexpected: 'Unexpected' is everyday language; 'unforeseen' is formal and often used in professional contexts.
- foreseen: Anticipated and planned for.
- predictable: Easily expected in advance.
Commonly confused with
- unaware: 'Unaware' describes a person's knowledge; 'unforeseen' describes an event that could not be predicted.
Word family
- unforeseeable (adjective): Incapable of being predicted in advance.
- foresee (verb): To anticipate or see beforehand.
Collocations
- unforeseen circumstances
- unforeseen complications
- unforeseen consequences
Idioms & expressions
- due to unforeseen circumstances
Example sentences
- "Due to unforeseen market shifts, the company adjusted its financial targets for the fourth quarter." Corporate Report
Memory hook
UN-FORE-SEEN = NOT seen BEFORE it happened. Not seen coming in advance.
When not to use
Do not use to describe emotional states of people; apply it to events, costs, complications, or developments.
Fun facts
- In contract law, the clause 'unforeseen circumstances' is legally known as 'force majeure'.
Related words
Explore more words
unprecedented, uncharted, inadvertent, apprehensive, anomaly, unconventional
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