timely

American  

[tahym-lee] / ˈtaɪm li /

adjective

timelier, timeliest

1. occurring at a suitable time; opportune; well-timed.

   Our priority is to identify threats against the U.S. and provide accurate, timely warnings.

2. occurring within an expected time frame; prompt.

   To ensure timely delivery, orders with multiple products may ship separately.

3. Archaic. early.

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adverb

1. seasonably; opportunely.

2. Archaic. early or soon.

timely British  

/ ˈtaɪmlɪ /

adjective

1. at the right or an opportune or appropriate time

2. an archaic word for early

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Related Words

See opportune.

Other Word Forms

• pretimely adjective
• timeliness noun

Etymology

Origin of timely

First recorded before 1000; Middle English tim(e)liche, Old English tīmlīce (adverb); time, -ly

Example Sentences

The sprint for more munitions is a welcome development and a timely reminder that the U.S. can still choose to defend itself and its global interests.

From The Wall Street Journal

The law requires insurers to develop a “disaster recovery plan” for handling mass claims in a timely manner.

From Los Angeles Times

She added, "Ensuring equitable cancer outcomes globally will require greater efforts to reduce disparities in health service delivery such as access to accurate and timely diagnosis, and quality treatment and supportive care."

From Science Daily

In Altadena, if government officials had sent out timely evacuation alerts to west Altadena residents, if fire trucks had swarmed the area earlier, would 18 people have died?

From Los Angeles Times

This no-fault system ensures individuals are compensated by the government in a timely manner for vaccine injuries, though it also makes it harder to pursue class actions.

From The Wall Street Journal

Related Words

• appropriate
• convenient
• prompt
• proper
• up-to-date
• up-to-the-minute