inopportune

American  

[in-op-er-toon, -tyoon] / ɪnˌɒp ərˈtun, -ˈtyun /

adjective

1. not opportune; inappropriate; inconvenient; untimely or unseasonable.

   an inopportune visit.

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inopportune British  

/ ɪnˈɒpəˌtjuːn /

adjective

1. not opportune; inappropriate or badly timed

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Usage

What does inopportune mean? Inopportune means inappropriate, unfavorable, or unsuitable for a particular situation or occasion. It can also mean coming at the wrong time. The terms untimely and poorly-timed mean the same thing. Inopportune is especially used in the phrases inopportune moment and inopportune time, meaning the moment that’s least suitable or favorable (for something to happen or be done). Inopportune is the opposite is opportune, which means appropriate, favorable, or suitable for a particular situation or occasion. It can also mean coming at the right time—timely or well-timed. Example: The audit was very inopportune—it came at the worst possible time.

Other Word Forms

• inopportunely
  adverb
• inopportuneness
  noun
• inopportunity
  noun

Etymology

Origin of inopportune

From the Late Latin word inopportūnus, dating back to 1525–35. See in- ³, opportune

Explanation

Since the meaning of "opportune" is "favorable" or "well-timed," it's easy to guess that the meaning of inopportune means something that is ill-timed or inappropriate. That little prefix in- means "not," and it totally turns the meaning of a word around. Think of the Latin word opportunus, which means "fitting" or "opportune." When you add in- in front of it, or any word, you give the word the opposite meaning. That's the history of the word inopportune, which has been used since the early 16th century to describe something that is "not fitting." For example, "She opened the door at an inopportune moment and saw him fire the gun." Bad timing? You bet. And very inopportune.

Example Sentences

Inopportune turnovers have been a career nemesis for Smith, but Carroll said of this one, “He got hammered. He got smoked.”

From Seattle Times • Oct. 17, 2021

Inopportune fences have been removed and a jumble of different seats and litter bins has been simplified.

From The Guardian • Jun. 12, 2010

Inopportune arrival of Mr. Perkupp, but he is most kind and complimentary. 

From Diary of a Nobody by Grossmith, George

"Inopportune, indeed," he muttered as he closed the door—for as she darted to the rail he saw her fling something overboard, an object that flashed white as it shot past the scuppers.

From Caravans By Night A Romance of India by Hervey, Harry

Inopportune rain then put things out of train then, Nell's mop, how a shower would spoil it, would spoil it!

From Punch, or the London Charivari, Vol. 105 October 7, 1893 by Various