unforeseeable error

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "unforeseeable error" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe an error that could not have been predicted or anticipated. Example: "Due to an unforeseeable error in the system, we experienced a temporary outage."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

Heuristic approaches differ from approximate ones in that they include an unforeseeable error in the approximate solution.

BMC Medical Informatics and Decision Making

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

A burst refers to a group of possibly contiguous errors which is characteristic of unforeseeable effects of errors in data computation.

EURASIP Journal on Advances in Signal Processing

Computers do not merely produce errors; they produce errors of unforeseeable magnitude.

The New York Times - Magazine

It's up to the airline to prove the fault was indeed unforeseeable.

The Guardian - Money

And what endures is unforeseeable.

The Guardian

Mr. Babbitt said it was not yet clear whether the blaze had resulted from human error, faulty technical guidelines -- meaning the government's own rules about how to carry out a prescribed burn -- or an unforeseeable act of nature.

The New York Times

Barring an unforeseeable disaster, Jokowi seems unbeatable.

The Economist

This was an unforeseeable and bizarre circumstance.

The New Yorker

Obviously, tragically, a completely unforeseeable event occurred".

The New York Times

Then there will be the unforeseeable boons.

The New York Times - Style

Egypt's leaders have unleashed a chain of unforeseeable consequences.

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "unforeseeable error", ensure the context clearly establishes that the error was genuinely impossible to predict based on the information available at the time. Avoid using it for errors that could have been prevented with better planning or diligence.

Common error

Be cautious about attributing problems to an "unforeseeable error" without thorough investigation. Overusing the term can undermine accountability and prevent effective problem-solving. Ensure the error truly meets the criteria of being genuinely unpredictable, not just overlooked.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "unforeseeable error" functions as a noun phrase where the adjective "unforeseeable" modifies the noun "error". It describes a specific type of error that could not have been predicted. Ludwig AI indicates the phrase is valid.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

50%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "unforeseeable error" is a grammatically sound phrase used to describe an error that was impossible to predict. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is correct and appropriate in written English. While relatively rare, it appears in both news and scientific contexts. When using this phrase, ensure the error truly could not have been foreseen and avoid overusing it as a general excuse. Alternatives like "unpredictable mistake" or "unforeseen flaw" may be suitable depending on the specific context.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

unpredictable mistake

Emphasizes the inability to foresee the mistake, similar to "unforeseeable error".

unanticipated failure

Focuses on the unexpected nature of the failure, rather than specifically an error.

unforeseen flaw

Highlights a defect that was not anticipated.

unexpected glitch

Describes a minor malfunction that was not predicted.

unpredicted fault

Stresses the lack of prediction regarding the fault.

chance anomaly

Indicates a random and unpredicted deviation from the norm.

surprise malfunction

Highlights the element of surprise in the malfunction.

random bug

Refers to a software or system error that occurs randomly and unexpectedly.

uncalculated risk

Focuses on the potential for error stemming from a risk that was not properly assessed.

unimagined defect

Emphasizes that the defect was beyond the realm of what was considered possible.

FAQs

How to use "unforeseeable error" in a sentence?

You can use "unforeseeable error" to describe a mistake that could not have been predicted. For example: "Due to an "unforeseeable error" in the system, we experienced a temporary outage."

What can I say instead of "unforeseeable error"?

You can use alternatives like "unpredictable mistake", "unanticipated failure", or "unforeseen flaw" depending on the context.

Which is correct, "unforeseeable error" or "unforeseen error"?

Both "unforeseeable error" and "unforeseen error" are grammatically correct, but "unforeseeable" emphasizes the impossibility of predicting the error, while "unforeseen" simply means it was not seen or anticipated.

What's the difference between "unforeseeable error" and "negligent error"?

An "unforeseeable error" is one that could not have been predicted or prevented with reasonable care, while a "negligent error" is one that occurs due to a lack of reasonable care or attention.