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disagreeable early early bird early on inauspicious inconvenient inexpedient inopportune intrusive malapropos mistimed out-of-date overearly oversoon previous soon too early too late unfavorable unfit unlucky unpropitious unseasonable unseemly unsuitable unsuited wrong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.

So while some of the show’s characters met untimely or tragic ends, Maddy came through the other side as someone more powerful: a Latina who didn’t fade into the background but, instead, commanded our attention.

From Los Angeles Times • Jun. 4, 2026

The in-form pair have dominated recent discourse among The Tartan Army and their respective cases have strengthened with an untimely injury for Boro forward Tommy Conway.

From BBC • May 18, 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

The main character grapples with the untimely death of his mother as he navigates a new, possibly treacherous, relationship.

From Los Angeles Times • Jan. 30, 2026

But I spoke yet of my dread to none, knowing the peril of an untimely whisper, if it went astray.

From "The Fellowship of the Ring" by J.R.R. Tolkien

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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