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View synonyms for inopportune

inopportune

[ in-op-er-toon, -tyoon ]

adjective

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

    an inopportune visit.



inopportune

/ ɪnˈɒpəˌtjuːn /

adjective

  1. not opportune; inappropriate or badly timed
“Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged” 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012


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Derived Forms

  • inˈopporˌtuneness, noun
  • inˈopporˌtunely, adverb
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Other Words From

  • in·oppor·tunely adverb
  • in·oppor·tuneness in·oppor·tuni·ty noun
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Word History and Origins

Origin of inopportune1

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

The variant also arrived at an inopportune time, when vaccine-related immunity was starting to wane for people who had gotten their shots early in the year and hadn’t yet been boosted.

From Time

The timing is particularly inopportune, as millions of Americans prepare to gather for Thanksgiving.

From Time

Crucially, the quality of LuLaRoe’s clothing took a dive, tearing easily or displaying strange prints in inopportune places.

From Time

Sadly, I didn’t feel as secure with the AirPods Max, which I always seemed to drain at an inopportune midday point.

If the Wizards don’t look to the future as soon as possible, the future will come hunting at an inopportune time.

The cancellation of the tours has come at a particularly inopportune time.

Some groups outside the Vatican also see him as an inopportune choice.

Nothing could be more inopportune, nothing more contrary to the welfare of the distracted country!

Then I say, 'I regret to have arrived at such an inopportune moment.'

Pisistratus could not feel flattered by passages intended to exhibit his ancestor as a conceited and inopportune old babbler.

The light and cheer of the club house seemed inopportune, like mirth at a funeral, and he retired into a distant corner to think.

She was inwardly raging at them for having chosen a time so inopportune for making a call.

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More About Inopportune

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.

Where does inopportune come from?

The first records of the word inopportune come from around 1530. It comes from the Latin inopportūnus. Opportune is first recorded earlier, around 1400, and comes from the Latin opportūnus, meaning “convenient.” The port in opportūnus referred to a seaport—the word originally meant “coming to the harbor and obtaining timely protection.” The prefix in- means “not.”

The word opportunity is based on the same root. The best opportunities come at an opportune time—the time when they can be taken advantage of. An inopportune time is one that’s inconvenient. Inopportunity is a word—it refers to the state or quality of being inopportune, as in I can’t believe the inopportunity of your unannounced visit—can’t you see I already have company?

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What are some other forms related to inopportune?

  • inopportunely (adverb)
  • inopportuneness (noun)
  • inopportunity (noun)
  • opportune (adjective)

What are some synonyms for inopportune?

What are some words that share a root or word element with inopportune

What are some words that often get used in discussing inopportune?

How is inopportune used in real life?

Inopportune is especially used to describe the word time or moment to indicate that it is the worst possible time for something to happen.

 

 

Try using inopportune!

Which of the following is NOT a synonym for inopportune

A. inconvenient
B. perfect
C. unfortunate
D. inappropriate

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