imprévus

Imprévus is a French noun meaning events or circumstances that could not be anticipated. The term is used in the plural imprévus; the singular form is imprévu and the feminine imprévue. It derives from prévus, "foreseen," with the negating prefix im-.

In everyday and professional usage, imprévus refer to actual occurrences that disrupt plans or forecasts. They contrast with risks, which describe potential future events; imprévus are events that, if they occur, require a response. Common examples include natural disasters, sudden illness, supply delays, or regulatory changes.

In financial and project planning, imprévus are often addressed with contingency measures, such as reserves or a fonds pour imprévus—money allocated to absorb unexpected costs or delays. In contracts and governance, provisions may specify how imprévus will be handled, though force majeure remains a related but distinct concept covering external events that excuse performance.

Etymology: imprévu comes from Latin praevisus via Old French, with the prefix im- indicating negation of foreseeing. The adjective forms imprévu (masculine), imprévue (feminine), imprévus (masculine plural), and imprévues (feminine plural) agree with the noun they modify.

See also: contingency planning, risk management, unforeseen events, reserve fund, force majeure.