an unforeseen complication

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "an unforeseen complication" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when referring to an unexpected issue or problem that arises in a situation or process. Example: "During the project, we encountered an unforeseen complication that delayed our timeline."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

6 human-written examples

Ismail Douiri, co-CEO of Morocco's Attijariwafa Bank, identified an unforeseen complication with having a bank account in Morocco: "Rather than seeing it as a status symbol, people in our focus groups did not want to tell their neighbours, because if they look potentially rich they then have the pressure to lend to others".

The Guardian

This, while an unforeseen complication, could give information that would help in the future chemical investigation of the heavier homologs of bismuth and polonium, which are respectively ununpentium and livermorium.

Wikipedia

Patients should therefore be counseled appropriately and offered full support in the event of an unforeseen complication.

Clinical interventions in aging

As a routine part of ANC, women receive a clinic card which is crucial in case of an unforeseen complication that requires hospital attendance.

BMC Pregnancy and Childbirth

From a maternal health perspective, ideally, all women would have access to quality health facilities for safe deliveries at any risk level, so in the event of an unforeseen complication an emergency C-section is immediately available that could mean the difference between saving the life of the mother and baby, and losing both.

BMC Pregnancy and Childbirth

An unforeseen complication of meeting so many wang hong at once was that it was hard to keep them all straight.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

54 human-written examples

It will run a minute or so behind the surgery in case of any unforeseen complications.

The Guardian

A sometimes unforeseen complication of weight loss following bariatric surgery is that of excessive skin.

Diabetes, Metabolic Syndrome and Obesity: Targets and Therapy

There arose a terrible and unforeseen complication on our trip: One of the neighbors we were traveling with also had a head cold.

The New York Times

Follow Mark on Twitter.

Vice

Yet another unforeseen complication!

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "an unforeseen complication", ensure that the context clearly establishes what was initially expected or planned, so the unexpected nature of the complication is evident.

Common error

While "an unforeseen complication" is acceptable, overuse in formal writing can make the tone less professional. Consider using synonyms like "unexpected challenge" or "unanticipated issue" to vary your language.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "an unforeseen complication" functions as a noun phrase, acting as the subject or object in a sentence. It describes an unexpected problem or difficulty. As Ludwig AI states, the phrase is perfectly valid in written English.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

35%

Science

33%

Wiki

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

7%

Academia

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "an unforeseen complication" is a grammatically correct and usable phrase in English, referring to an unexpected problem or difficulty. While relatively uncommon in overall frequency, it appears across various contexts, including news, science, and general writing. According to Ludwig AI, this expression is appropriate for describing unanticipated issues. When writing, ensure the context makes the unexpected nature of the complication clear. For more formal settings, consider alternatives like "unexpected challenge" to diversify your language. Several authoritative sources, such as The New York Times and The Guardian, use this phrase, validating its acceptance in quality writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

an unexpected difficulty

Replaces "complication" with the more general term "difficulty" while maintaining the sense of something unexpected.

an unforeseen obstacle

Retains "unforeseen" but replaces "complication" with "obstacle", emphasizing the hindering effect.

an unanticipated issue

Substitutes "unforeseen" with "unanticipated" and "complication" with "issue", slightly altering the tone.

an unpredicted problem

Replaces "unforeseen" with "unpredicted" and "complication" with "problem", resulting in a more direct and simpler phrasing.

a surprise setback

Employs "setback" to describe an unexpected problem that delays progress or reverses a positive outcome.

a surprise obstacle

Uses a metaphorical term "obstacle" instead of "complication", emphasizing the hindering nature of the unexpected event.

an emergent snag

Employs the word "snag" to depict an unforeseen complication, typically suggesting an unexpected interruption or challenge.

an unlooked-for hitch

Uses the word "hitch", portraying the complication as a temporary impediment or obstacle.

an unanticipated hiccup

Uses "hiccup" to describe a minor and typically temporary unforeseen complication.

an unexpected twist

Replaces complication with a more narrative-focused term, emphasizing the surprise element and deviation from the expected course.

FAQs

How to use "an unforeseen complication" in a sentence?

You can use "an unforeseen complication" to describe an unexpected problem that arises during a process or event. For example, "The project faced "an unforeseen complication" when the main supplier went bankrupt."

What can I say instead of "an unforeseen complication"?

You can use alternatives like "an unexpected difficulty", "an unanticipated issue", or "a surprise obstacle" depending on the context.

Is it better to say "unforeseen complication" or "unexpected complication"?

Both "unforeseen complication" and "unexpected complication" are grammatically correct and have similar meanings. The choice depends on your preference, although "unexpected complication" might sound more common in everyday conversation.

What's the difference between "an unforeseen complication" and "a challenge"?

"An unforeseen complication" refers specifically to an unexpected problem that arises. "A challenge" is a broader term that can refer to any difficult task or situation, whether expected or unexpected.