unforeseen risk

USAGE SUMMARY

'unforeseen risk' is correct and can be used in written English.
You can use it when you are referring to a risk that is not known about beforehand. For example: "The company took on an unforeseen risk when it invested in an untested market."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

7 human-written examples

"Unforeseen risk is everywhere," one ad begins.

The New York Times

Legal and compliance may recognize an unforeseen risk.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

First, courts attempt to stretch existing insurance policy language to fit an unforeseen risk.

Harvard University

In a packed bed of biomass, spontaneous ignition might occur due to oxidation of volatiles and causes a serious and unforeseen risk.

Combustion and Flame

Mr Marshall argues that China's banks should be carrying capital of at least 15-20%, as banks in Indonesia do, to guard against unforeseen risk.

The Economist

885, 496 P.2d 988 (1972) (golfer does not assume extraordinary, unforeseen risk of being hit by golf ball due to inadequate [103 warning58] warning but may assume other risks inherent in the game).

Harvard University

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

53 human-written examples

In most cases the risks paid off, but other times unforeseen risks cost astronauts their lives.

The Guardian - Opinion

Derivatives are designed to transfer money in creative ways that allow companies to hedge unforeseen risks.

The New York Times

According to its latest estimates, about a quarter of the £2bn contingency fund will remain for unforeseen risks.

The Guardian

The commission's great challenge is to be "proactive" in identifying previously unforeseen risks, primarily natural disasters.

The New York Times - Science

And central bankers, cautious by nature and profession, also harbor wariness for the unforeseen risks of unprecedented actions.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When discussing project management or strategic planning, use "unforeseen risk" to highlight the importance of contingency planning for unpredictable events.

Common error

Don't use "unforeseen risk" when you actually mean a "calculated "calculated risk"". An "unforeseen risk" is, by definition, not anticipated, whereas a calculated risk involves weighing potential outcomes.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "unforeseen risk" primarily functions as a noun phrase, where 'unforeseen' modifies 'risk'. Ludwig AI confirms its proper usage in English. It often acts as the subject or object of a sentence, denoting a potential problem that was not anticipated.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

35%

Academia

33%

Science

32%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "unforeseen risk" is a grammatically sound phrase used to describe a risk that was not anticipated. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it is appropriate for use in written English. While not exceedingly common, it appears across diverse contexts, most frequently in news, academic, and scientific domains. Its function is to highlight unpredictability, its purpose to warn and advise preparedness, and its register leans towards neutral to formal. When using this phrase, avoid confusing it with related concepts like "calculated "calculated risk"". Remember the essence of "unforeseen risk" lies in its unanticipated nature, making it distinct from risks that are known and planned for.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

unforeseen hazard

Synonymous, slight change in wording.

unanticipated risk

Synonymous change of adjective.

unexpected danger

Changes 'risk' to 'danger', emphasizing the potential harm or negative outcome.

surprise risk

Uses "surprise" instead of "unforeseen", to convey it was not predicted.

unanticipated hazard

Replaces both 'unforeseen' and 'risk' with synonyms, slightly increasing formality.

unpredicted threat

Replaces 'risk' with 'threat', implying intention or potential for harm.

unpredicted peril

Substitutes 'risk' with 'peril' indicating a more serious or immediate danger.

hidden exposure

Focuses on the lack of awareness of the risk's existence.

latent danger

Emphasizes the potential for harm being present but not yet active or visible.

contingent liability

Uses more formal financial/legal term for potential future obligation

FAQs

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

You can use "unforeseen risk" to describe unexpected problems or dangers that may arise in a situation. For example: "The project faced delays due to "unforeseen risk" associated with the new technology".

What are some alternatives to "unforeseen risk"?

Alternatives to "unforeseen risk" include "unexpected danger", "unanticipated hazard", or "unpredicted peril", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "unforeseen risk" the same as "potential risk"?

"Potential risk" refers to a risk that is recognized and considered possible, while ""unforeseen risk"" describes a risk that was not anticipated or known about beforehand. They are not interchangeable.

What is the difference between "unforeseen risks" and "unforeseen consequences"?

"Unforeseen "unforeseen risks"" refer to potential dangers or hazards that are not anticipated, while "unforeseen "unforeseen consequences"" are the unexpected results or outcomes of an action or event. Risks are potential problems, while consequences are the actual results.