avoid the unforeseeable

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "avoid the unforeseeable" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used in contexts discussing risk management, planning, or strategies to mitigate unexpected events. Example: "In our project planning, we must take steps to avoid the unforeseeable challenges that could derail our timeline."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

Predicting weather is one way we collectively try to avoid the unforeseeable, which our lives are always about.

The New York Times - Arts

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

The order of business allowed spontaneity terribly narrow grooves to rattle in and seemed calculated mainly to avoid the occurrence of anything untoward, anything substantially unforeseen or even unforeseeable.

The New Yorker

Let's avoid this cliché for the unforeseeable future.

The New York Times

Then there will be the unforeseeable boons.

The New York Times - Style

Barring the unforeseeable, David Cameron will lead his party into the contest.

The Guardian - Opinion

Nixon wrote in his memoirs that the tapes "were my best insurance against the unforeseeable future.

The New Yorker

A social worker cautioned me about embryos, citing the unforeseeable legal and emotional obstacles that could arise down the road.

The New York Times

Like all situations calling for an umpire's judgment, plays at first are made more complicated by the unforeseeable.

The New York Times - Sports

Besides, in a fast-moving industry, no one knows how to specify today the unforeseeable violations in the future.

The New York Times

As it turns out, the unforeseeable events that these Wall Street experts thought would never happen began to happen.

The New Yorker

Bernanke had long been saying that the government needed many tools to respond to the unforeseeable, including the ability to buy "bad companies" as well as "bad assets".

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

In risk management documentation, use "avoid the unforeseeable" to highlight the need for flexible strategies that can adapt to unforeseen circumstances.

Common error

Don't only focus on risks that are easily identifiable. While addressing known risks is important, neglecting to plan for the unknown—to "avoid the unforeseeable"—can lead to critical vulnerabilities.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "avoid the unforeseeable" functions as an infinitive phrase expressing purpose or intention. It indicates a goal-oriented action aimed at preventing or mitigating potential negative outcomes that are by definition, unpredictable. As indicated by Ludwig AI, its grammatical structure is correct.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

33%

Science

33%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Wiki

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "avoid the unforeseeable" is a grammatically sound expression that emphasizes proactive planning to minimize potential disruptions from unexpected events. While relatively rare, it is used in various contexts, including news and media and scientific publications, with neutral register. The suggestions given by Ludwig can help you use this phrase to help underscore the importance of building resilience into a project or strategic planning. While you can't entirely avoid the completely unknown, preparing strategies for different possible scenarios can help mitigate potential negative impacts.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

dodge unforeseen circumstances

Emphasizes evading unexpected events.

shield against future uncertainties

Focuses on providing a defense from what is not known.

circumvent potential pitfalls

Suggests navigating around possible difficulties.

head off impending issues

Implies stopping problems before they arise.

mitigate potential risks

Focuses on reducing the severity of possible dangers.

guard against likely threats

Highlights protection from probable dangers.

minimize exposure to the unexpected

Focuses on reducing contact with unforeseen events.

forestall possible setbacks

Focuses on preventing delays or impediments.

prevent predictable problems

Highlights averting issues that can be anticipated.

prepare for improbable events

Centers on getting ready for things that are unlikely to happen.

FAQs

How can I use "avoid the unforeseeable" in a sentence?

You might say, "Predicting weather is one way we collectively try to "avoid the unforeseeable", which our lives are always about."

What does "avoid the unforeseeable" mean in project management?

In project management, "avoid the unforeseeable" suggests proactive planning to minimize potential disruptions from unexpected events.

What are some strategies to "avoid the unforeseeable" in business?

Strategies include scenario planning, building flexible business models, and maintaining sufficient reserves to handle unexpected challenges.

Is it better to "avoid the unforeseeable" or prepare for it?

Ideally, you should do both. While you can't entirely "avoid the unforeseeable", preparing for a range of possible scenarios can help mitigate potential negative impacts.