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disagreeable early early bird early on inauspicious inconvenient inexpedient inopportune intrusive malapropos mistimed out-of-date overearly oversoon previous soon too early too late unfavorable unfit unlucky unpropitious unseasonable unseemly unsuitable unsuited wrong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

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 evidence gathered during the investigation into his untimely death revealed a much more sinister pathology," he said.

From BBC • Apr. 20, 2026

Prince Charles is now England’s king, and Diana devoted herself to a life of service that helped her triumph in the international court of opinion before her untimely death.

From Salon • Feb. 12, 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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