unforeseeable

Upper-Intermediate (B2)

IPA: /ˌʌn.fɔːrˈsiː.ə.bəl/

KK: /ʌnˌfɔrˈsiːəbl/

adjective

Definition

Something that cannot be predicted or expected to happen.

Example

The storm caused unforeseen problems for the event organizers.

Conversation

Did you hear about the storm warning for this weekend?

Yeah, I did! It seems like weather can be so unforeseeable these days.

Exactly! I hope it doesn't ruin our plans for the picnic.

Me too! But we should have a backup plan just in case.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Synonyms

unexpected

unpredictable

unanticipated

Antonyms

predictable

foreseeable

expected

Root Explanation

Unforeseeable → It is formed from "un-" (meaning not), "fore-" (meaning before), and "see" (from Old English "seon", meaning to perceive or observe) and "-able" (meaning capable of). The word "unforeseeable" means not capable of being perceived or observed before it happens.

Memory Tip

Think of something that is 'not' ('un-') able to be 'seen' ('see') before it happens — that's what makes it unforeseeable.

Visually Confused Words