untimely

1 of 2

adverb

un·​time·​ly ˌən-ˈtīm-lē 

1

: at an inopportune time : unseasonably

2

: before the due, natural, or proper time : prematurely

went untimely to the grave

untimely

2 of 2

adjective

1

: inopportune, unseasonable

an untimely joke

untimely frost

2

: occurring or done before the due, natural, or proper time : too early : premature

an untimely death

untimeliness noun

Synonyms

Adjective

• early
• inopportune
• precocious
• premature
• unseasonable

Examples of untimely in a Sentence

Adjective

the untimely arrival of our guests caught us by surprise

Recent Examples on the Web

Adjective

The untimely death of Lincoln's son Willie Lincoln More:Bad omens or just misunderstood? —Janet Loehrke, USA TODAY, 26 Oct. 2024

The show followed the Pittsburgh family through multiple eras, from the birth of their kids, to Jack’s untimely death, and the triplets’ adult lives, raising families of their own. —Glenn Garner, Deadline, 26 Oct. 2024

It's been almost a year since Matthew Perry's untimely death, and his family is finally ready to talk about it. —Christian Holub, EW.com, 25 Oct. 2024

Now, his untimely death is reigniting urgent conversations about the mental health and addiction struggles that so often afflict young stars thrust into the limelight. —Will Ripley, CNN, 24 Oct. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

Adverb

13th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Adjective

13th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Kids Definition

untimely

adjective

un·​time·​ly

ˌən-ˈtīm-lē,

ˈən-

1

: occurring or done before the expected, natural, or proper time : premature

untimely death

2

: coming at the wrong time

an untimely joke

Legal Definition

untimely

adjective

un·​time·​ly

ˌən-ˈtīm-lē

: not timely

especially : not made or filed within a period of time specified by procedural rule

an untimely petition

untimeliness noun

untimely adverb