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unforeseeable
/ˌʌnfɔːrˈsiːəbl/
impossible to predict
The unforeseeable consequences of the new policy worried the economists.
The economists were concerned about consequences of the new policy that could not be predicted.
formal
impossible to predict or anticipate
The court ruled that the risk was unforeseeable and therefore not covered by the contract.
The court determined the risk could not have been predicted, so it was not included in the contract's terms.
Unforeseeable events like natural disasters can disrupt supply chains.
Events such as natural disasters, which cannot be predicted, may interrupt supply chains.
Commonly used in legal, financial, and risk assessment contexts to describe events that could not reasonably have been expected.
Collocations
unforeseeable circumstancesunexpected situations that could not be predictedunforeseeable risksrisks that could not have been anticipated
Antonyms
Pro Tip
Avoid double negatives
Do not confuse 'unforeseeable' with 'not foreseeable.' While both are correct, 'unforeseeable' is the more natural and widely used form in formal contexts.
Gold Rule
Use in formal contexts
Reserve 'unforeseeable' for formal writing such as contracts, reports, or academic texts. In casual conversation, simpler terms like 'unexpected' or 'surprising' are more common.
Word Origin
From Middle English 'foresee' (to know beforehand) + the negative prefix 'un-' and the suffix '-able' (capable of being). The word evolved in the 17th century to describe things that cannot be foreseen.
Usage Notes
Used to describe events, risks, or consequences that are beyond reasonable prediction. Often appears in legal documents, insurance policies, and risk management discussions.
Word Breakdown
un-
not
prefixforesee
to know beforehand
root-able
capable of being
suffixEnglish Dictionary