Definitions

untimely

[uhn-tahym-lee] / ʌnˈtaɪm li /

ADJECTIVE

inappropriate

Synonyms

STRONGEST

ill-timed improper premature undue unfortunate

WEAK

a bit previous abortive anachronistic awkward badly timed bright and early disagreeable early early bird early on inauspicious inconvenient inexpedient inopportune intrusive malapropos mistimed out-of-date overearly oversoon previous soon too early too late unfavorable unfit unlucky unpropitious unseasonable unseemly unsuitable unsuited wrong

Antonyms

STRONGEST

appropriate good suitable

WEAK

opportune timely

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

Whether it’s a blockbuster trade that brought Doncic to L.A. or an untimely injury that sidelines the superstar guard at the most important time of the season, Redick is able to compartmentalize each day’s mission.

From Los Angeles Times • May 9, 2026

They had become separated because of the untimely need of a restroom visit, and with the help of the Secret Service he got to her quickly.

From Salon • May 1, 2026

The past week has been Cleveland’s untimely introduction to their new star’s Dr. Jekyll-and-Mr.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 28, 2026

There is a misconception about Pimenta that she has stepped into the role left by Mino Raiola's untimely death in April 2020.

From BBC • Feb. 1, 2026

His most famous student, Alexander the Great, spread the doctrine as far east as India before Alexander’s untimely death in 323 BC.

From "Zero: The Biography of a Dangerous Idea" by Charles Seife

Vocabulary lists containing untimely

Romeo and Juliet

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"Letter from Birmingham Jail" by Martin Luther King, Jr. (1963)

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The Tragedy of Macbeth

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