WordGarden.iounforeseeable
C2Pronunciation
UK
- /ʌnfɔːsˈiːəbəl/
US
- /ˌənfɔrˈsiəbəl/
Meanings
Adjective
not able to be predicted or anticipated in advance
Beyond the definition
Life is full of surprises, but some events are truly unforeseeable - meaning they cannot be predicted in any reasonable way. Think about a sudden earthquake, a flash flood, or a bridge closing without warning after hidden damage is found. These things seem to come out of nowhere and can throw plans off course.
The word hints at "seeing before," so unforeseeable literally means something you could not "see coming." It is stronger than just "unexpected" because it suggests that normal care or planning would not have helped much. You often see it when people talk about risks or problems: "unforeseeable circumstances" are events outside anyone's control.
The word unforeseeable describes something that could not have been predicted or anticipated, even with careful planning or foresight. It goes beyond simply being unexpected; it implies a lack of any reasonable possibility of predicting the event.
You'll often encounter "unforeseeable" in legal contexts, like contracts. Businesses might include clauses protecting them from liability due to unforeseeable events - things like natural disasters or major political upheavals that disrupt operations. For example: "The company was not held responsible for damages caused by an unforeseeable earthquake."
It's also common when discussing life's challenges and uncertainties. "We faced a number of unforeseeable difficulties during the project," suggests problems arose that no one could have anticipated. A sudden illness, an unexpected job loss, or a dramatic shift in market conditions are all examples of unforeseeable events.
While we strive to plan for the future, acknowledging the possibility of the unforeseeable is crucial. It reminds us that life is often unpredictable and requires adaptability and resilience. It's not about being pessimistic; it's about recognizing that some things are simply beyond our control.
So, when something truly takes you by surprise - something no one could reasonably have seen coming - you're dealing with the unforeseeable.
Examples
- 1
Travel delay
Our train was delayed by an unforeseeable problem on the line.
- 2
Formal notice
The concert was canceled due to unforeseeable circumstances.
- Usagedue to unforeseeable circumstances
a formal phrase often used in notices or announcements
- 3
Budgeting
Even a careful budget can be ruined by an unforeseeable expense.
- 4
Industry effects
The decision had unforeseeable consequences for the whole industry.
More examplesFewer examples
- 5
Legal contracts
The contract excludes losses caused by unforeseeable events such as floods or earthquakes.
See also
Similar
Shades of meaning
- incalculable
- out of the blue
Contrast
Do not confuse
Used with (collocations)
- unforeseeable circumstances
- unforeseeable consequences
- unforeseeable event
Word family
- foresee
- unforeseeability
Explore
- uncertainty
- risk assessment
Forms and spellings
1 form open this card.
Main spelling
- unforeseeableadjective