onvoorzien

Onvoorzien is a Dutch adjective and noun meaning unforeseen or not foreseen. In budgeting and accounting, the term refers to a contingency reserve intended to cover costs that could not be anticipated at the time a budget was prepared. The post is typically included in budgets at national, regional, and municipal levels, as well as in private sector accounting, to maintain financial flexibility.

Etymology: from on- (not) + voorzien (foreseen), derived from the noun voorziening or provision; used in Dutch to denote that something was not anticipated.

In public budgeting: An onvoorzien post is a separate contingency fund within the budget. It is not assigned to a specific project, but available to respond to unexpected needs such as natural disasters, emergency expenditures, or unplanned policy developments. If not used, the funds may be carried forward or released, depending on regulations.

Accounting and governance: The size and use are subject to oversight; sometimes the amount is fixed as a percentage of the total budget. Critics say too-large onvoorzien posts can obscure actual budgetary pressures, while proponents argue they prevent ad hoc cuts and ensure continuity during shocks.

See also: contingency fund; reserve; budgetary contingency.