Unforeseen danger

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "Unforeseen danger" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a threat or risk that was not anticipated or expected. Example: "The hikers were unprepared for the unforeseen danger posed by the sudden storm that rolled in."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

3 human-written examples

The unforeseen danger in this case was the slyness of the attack.

The New York Times

First, companies must take care not to put customers in "unforeseen" danger, assuming that those customers act in a "reasonable" manner when interacting with the product or service.

Forbes

First, companies must take care not to put customers in "unforeseen" danger, assuming that those customers act in a "reasonable" manner when using a product or service.

Forbes

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

57 human-written examples

While a "buddy system" encourages medics to alert each other to problems, there are unforeseen dangers.

The Economist

Their keen sense of smell helps them to get around, although they must be protected from sudden falls and unforeseen dangers.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Importantly, they also highlight possible, unforeseen dangers of combination therapies in which an immunotherapy, even delivered locally at the tumor site, may systemically sensitize the patient to a cytokine shock-like response triggered by IV delivery of oncolytic virus.

Molecular Therapy

Labour is facing a dilemma over how far to back George Osborne's plans to let people take large lump sums out of their pensions, with Dame Anne Begg, the chairman of the Commons work and pensions committee, joining senior figures warning of unforeseen dangers in the proposals.

The Guardian

While considering worst-case scenarios is important for the development of sound policy, taking action based only on worst-case thinking can introduce unforeseen dangers and costs.

Duke University

The new communist order offered unprecedented opportunities as well as unforeseen dangers".

Wikipedia

But 44percentt said they worry that DNA research involves unforeseen dangers.

Huffington Post

("No way," he gasps. "Where do they all fit?") Ma also ponders the nature of the options she and her son have, and whether those options have unforeseen dangers and risks worth taking.

Los Angeles Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Combine "unforeseen danger" with specific scenarios. Example: "The company faced an unforeseen danger when a key supplier declared bankruptcy."

Common error

Avoid using "unforeseen danger" as a generic substitute for a specific threat. Instead, identify and articulate the precise nature of the unanticipated risk. Vague language weakens your message.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "unforeseen danger" functions primarily as a noun phrase, where "unforeseen" modifies "danger". It highlights a specific type of risk that was not anticipated. Ludwig examples show it describing various unexpected threats. Ludwig AI considers it correct and usable.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

47%

Science

29%

Encyclopedias

6%

Less common in

Academia

6%

Wiki

3%

Formal & Business

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "unforeseen danger" is used to describe unexpected risks or perils. Ludwig AI validates it as correct and usable English. While grammatically sound, it's most impactful when paired with specific, descriptive contexts to avoid vagueness. Related phrases include "unexpected peril" and "unanticipated hazard". It appears in a variety of reliable sources, including news outlets like The New York Times and The Guardian, but its frequency is considered rare, therefore, when writing, be sure to be specific and clear.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Unexpected peril

Replaces "unforeseen" with "unexpected", slightly altering the emphasis to the surprise element.

Unanticipated hazard

Substitutes "danger" with "hazard", providing a more general term for potential harm.

Unpredicted threat

Replaces "danger" with "threat", focusing on the potential for harm caused by someone or something.

Unforeseen hazard

Replaces "danger" with "hazard", providing a more general term for potential harm.

Latent risk

Emphasizes that the risk was present but not immediately obvious.

Hidden threat

Focuses on the concealment aspect of the danger.

Unforeseeable risk

Replaces "danger" with the noun "risk" and "unforeseen" with "unforeseeable", keeping similar meaning.

Imminent threat

Shifts the focus to a threat that is about to happen.

Surreptitious threat

Conveys that the danger is stealthy and insidious.

Unlooked-for menace

Replaces both words, resulting in more archaic and literary tone.

FAQs

How can I use "unforeseen danger" in a sentence?

You can use "unforeseen danger" to describe a risk or peril that was not anticipated or expected. For example, "The explorers were unprepared for the "unforeseen danger" posed by the sudden blizzard".

What are some alternatives to "unforeseen danger"?

Some alternatives include "unexpected peril", "unanticipated hazard", or "latent risk", depending on the specific context.

Is "unforeseen danger" a formal or informal expression?

"Unforeseen danger" is suitable for both formal and informal contexts, but consider using more specific language when possible to provide clarity.

What's the difference between "unforeseen danger" and "imminent threat"?

"Unforeseen danger" refers to a risk that was not anticipated, while "imminent threat" describes a danger that is about to happen. The former focuses on the lack of prior knowledge, while the latter emphasizes the urgency.