Do you have to cancel something because of an unforeseen problem?
Maybe you want to cancel it professionally, but you’re worried “due to unforeseen circumstances” is too informal or repetitive in emails.
Fear not! This article has gathered the best alternatives to help you get out of this tricky situation.
These alternatives should definitely help you to keep your writing interesting:
- Owing to unforeseen events
- Due to situations outside of our control
- Due to issues we could not prevent
- Because of unexpected happenings
- Due to unforeseeable situations
- As a result of unanticipated developments
- In light of recent events
- Because of these difficult conditions
- Since we did not anticipate this
So, keep reading to learn what to say instead of “due to unforeseen circumstances.” We’ve gone on to explain more about each of the synonyms mentioned above.
1. Owing to Unforeseen Events
You never know when something is going to go wrong. After all, that’s what an “unforeseen circumstance” is, right?
Well, it’s also good to use alternatives like “owing to unforeseen events.” Honestly, the word “unforeseen” is unparalleled here! You should use it to show that something was not expected.
Generally, this is a formal and direct phrase. It lets people know that something is out of your control.
It’s also a regrettable and apologetic choice. So, as a synonym, it helps you to set up an apology when you have to cancel something earlier than anticipated.
You may want to review this email sample to learn more about how it can work:
Dear Team,
Owing to unforeseen events, the meeting has been canceled.
I’ll be in touch as soon as things return to normal, and I can host it again.
Best wishes,
Sarah Tomlinson
2. Due to Situations Outside of Our Control
Another way to say “due to unforeseen circumstances” is “due to situations outside of our control.”
Again, the focus here is on things you simply could not control or see coming. So, even though you don’t like doing it, you’ve had to cancel something that was coming up.
For instance, you can use this when postponing a client meeting. Sure, it’s not ideal, but sometimes, it has to be done.
It’s a formal and respectful phrase to include in an email. If you include it when emailing a client, they’ll be more likely to understand because you were honest and upfront about it.
It’s also worth exploring this email sample to learn a bit more about how to use it:
Dear Ms. Kingston,
Due to situations outside of our control, the meeting has been postponed.
Please accept our sincerest apologies at this time.
Yours,
Georgia Cravat
3. Due to Issues We Could Not Prevent
Feel free to mix things up further with “due to issues we could not prevent.” This synonym works well if you’re trying to keep things formal and honest.
Of course, you don’t have to explain what issues came up. Simply saying you couldn’t prevent those issues works well for most recipients who want to hear from you.
For example, you can use this when contacting customers. Perhaps there are poor weather conditions outside, and you’ve had to close your store early.
Well, whatever the case may be, this phrase works really well to apologize directly. It shows you didn’t see something coming, but it’s caused an inconvenience that cannot be avoided.
It’s also good to review this email sample to learn more about how it can work:
Dear Customers,
Due to issues we could not prevent, the store is closed until further notice.
Please bear with us while we figure out what our next steps will be.
Thank you so much,
The Carpentry Co.
4. Because of Unexpected Happenings
The world is a funny place. Anything could happen at any time, and you don’t really know what might interfere with your working day.
But phrases like “because of unexpected happenings” help here. After all, they allow you to blame an external factor for having to stop something or cancel it.
Let’s say you have a meeting coming up with shareholders. However, a situation has come up in the workplace that you didn’t see coming but you also can’t avoid.
Well, it’s important to fix that situation first.
So, this phrase works well when sounding professional and apologetic. It shows that something has happened, so you have to cancel your meeting.
Here’s a great email sample to show you how it works if you’re still unsure:
Dear Shareholders,
I’m afraid I’ll have to postpone this meeting because of unexpected happenings.
I will let you know as soon as I’ve got more information regarding this matter.
Best wishes,
Dean Sherrin
5. Due to Unforeseeable Situations
Another good synonym to include in your writing is “due to unforeseeable situations.” This implies that multiple problems have occurred (hence the plural use of “situations”).
You can use this when you have to cancel an interview with an applicant.
Let’s say you arranged the interview a week beforehand. However, something pressing has come up with your workload, and you can’t find a way around it.
Of course, this isn’t an ideal situation. But it also can’t be avoided.
So, you can use this phrase to directly and formally apologize to an applicant. They were probably quite excited about the interview, but you’ve had to rearrange or cancel it entirely.
This email sample will help you if you still want to see it in action:
Dear Matt,
Unfortunately, your interview has been canceled due to unforeseeable situations.
Please bear with me while I figure out a replacement time for you.
Yours,
Jonathan Wood
6. As a Result of Unanticipated Developments
Also, you can use “as a result of unanticipated developments” when postponing or canceling something.
Generally, this is a formal and honest way to show that you can’t continue with a situation.
For instance, you can use it when you’re unable to attend a meeting. It suggests that something more important has come up when a meeting is supposed to take place.
Of course, you can’t use this for every meeting. Some meetings will take priority, and you need to pay attention to that.
But you can still use this phrase when contacting an employee. If you have a one-on-one meeting scheduled, this phrase might help you to cancel it.
This email sample will also help you to understand it better:
Dear Doris,
As a result of unanticipated developments, I’m unable to attend your meeting today.
I can get Sean to take it, or we can reschedule for another day.
Best wishes,
Sara Dean
7. In Light of Recent Events
You can include “in light of recent events” in your writing as well. This is a great way to mix things up and sound more formal and sincere when having to change your plans.
Of course, this phrase doesn’t refer to “unforeseen” situations or problems. Instead, it refers to “recent” ones.
Therefore, it implies that something has changed, but it was not unexpected. So, it should be easier to use something like this if all parties are made aware of the change.
Try using it when updating clients. If they’re keeping up with current affairs in the workplace, they might already know that you’re writing to them to cancel or postpone a meeting.
Feel free to review this email sample to learn a bit more about it:
Dear Miss Torn,
As I’m sure you’ve heard, we’re going through a takeover at the moment.
So, in light of recent events, we’re going to have to reschedule this meeting.
All the best,
Bethany Ryder
8. Because of These Difficult Conditions
You can also be honest and polite by saying “because of these difficult conditions.” It’s a great alternative that helps you to break the news gently to the recipient.
Generally, you can write this when contacting a customer. It suggests that your company has had to close for a while to sort some issues out.
Including “difficult” in this phrase helps to keep things honest. It shows that you or your company are going through a hard time, but you’re trying your best to come out on top.
Customers will usually understand. After all, this phrase is still professional and informative. That’s the main take away here!
Here’s a great email sample to show you more about it:
Dear Customers,
Because of these difficult conditions, we have to close for a few days.
We’re excited to open our doors to you again soon.
All the best,
Greta Bergmite
9. Since We Did Not Anticipate This
Finally, you can write “since we did not anticipate this” instead of “due to unforeseen circumstances.”
Of course, there are always problems to tackle as each day goes on. You never know when something will go wrong and when you have to change plans on the fly.
So, this phrase keeps things professional and direct. While you might have to change a few things about a meeting, at least you’re being open and honest by including this in your writing.
Feel free to review this sample email to learn a bit more about it:
Dear Miss Hallaway,
Since we did not anticipate this, I’m afraid we can’t meet with the other clients today.
We’ll let you know when the initial problem is solved.
Yours,
Carly Clinton