Something unexpected has come up.
im-PREH-vi-sto — stress the second syllable. The 'e' is open and clear.
Use when you need to cancel but don't want to (or can't) explain the specific reason. It's accepted in both work and personal contexts as a vague but valid excuse.
'Un imprevisto' is a very common Italian expression meaning an unforeseen event or unexpected problem. It carries no negative connotation and is widely understood as a legitimate reason to cancel. It's more elegant than simply saying you're busy.
È saltato fuori un imprevisto.
An unexpected thing has come up.
'È saltato fuori' (literally 'jumped out') is very colloquial and natural
Ho avuto un contrattempo.
I've had a setback / hitch.
More formal alternative — suits professional contexts well
Mi è capitato qualcosa all'ultimo momento.
Something happened to me at the last moment.
Very natural spoken Italian — emphasises the suddenness
In Italy it's perfectly normal not to explain what 'l'imprevisto' is. People won't usually press for details — the word itself is socially accepted as a complete explanation.