French word

imprévu

Pronunciation

IPA/ɛ̃pʁevy/

Meaning

  • masculine noununexpected event

Example

Nous avons eu un imprévu pendant le voyage.

Something unexpected came up during the trip.

Illustration for imprévu (unexpected event)

More examples

Elle a dû annuler à cause d'un imprévu.

She had to cancel because of an unforeseen event.

Core concept

An unexpected event that pushes a timetable onto a different track.

Common phrases

  • se préparer à un imprévu

    prepare for an unforeseen event

  • un imprévu de dernière minute

    a last-minute unforeseen event

Similar words

contretemps: A minor setback or mishap that delays a schedule or journey.
empêchement: A circumstance or event that makes a planned commitment impossible.
incident: A sudden incident or problem that disrupts progress on an activity or plan.

Definition in French

Fait ou incident non prévu qui survient et oblige à modifier un programme ou un emploi du temps.

Word origin

French built imprévu from im- 'not' and prévu 'foreseen', while prévoir comes from Latin praevidere, combining prae- 'before' with videre 'to see'.

Usage tips

  • The noun often appears with avoir in explanations such as avoir un imprévu, meaning that an unforeseen problem has disrupted plans.

Word lists with this word