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disagreeable early early bird early on inauspicious inconvenient inexpedient inopportune intrusive malapropos mistimed out-of-date overearly oversoon previous soon too early too late unfavorable unfit unlucky unpropitious unseasonable unseemly unsuitable unsuited wrong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

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

Plus, Apple’s autocorrect fix, Sora’s untimely demise, Nvidia’s iron grip on the AI industry and the 10-year feud shaping AI’s future.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 29, 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

A creature of an older world maybe it was, whose kind, lingering in forgotten mountains cold beneath the Moon, outstayed their day, and in hideous eyrie bred this last untimely brood, apt to evil.

From "The Return of the King" 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

Want to remember this word for good? Start your learning journey today with our library of interactive, themed word lists built by the experts at Vocabulary.com – we'll help you make the most of your study time!