untimely

[uhn-tahym-lee]

adjective

untimelier, untimeliest 

1. not timely; not occurring at a suitable time or season; ill-timed or inopportune.

   An untimely downpour stopped the game.

   Synonyms: unsuitable, inconvenient, inappropriate, unseasonable

2. happening too soon or too early; premature.

   his untimely demise.

adverb

1. prematurely.

2. unseasonably.

untimely

/ ʌnˈtaɪmlɪ /

adjective

1. occurring before the expected, normal, or proper time

   an untimely death

2. inappropriate to the occasion, time, or season

   his joking at the funeral was most untimely

adverb

1. prematurely or inopportunely

Other Word Forms

• untimeliness noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of untimely¹

First recorded in 1150–1200, untimely is from the Middle English word untimliche. See un- ¹, timely

Idioms and Phrases

see come to an (untimely) end.

Example Sentences

The two have come a long way from the beginning of the series when Usagi was distraught over her father’s untimely death, and when Arisu had no direction in life.

From Salon

But the Stateside legacy that Hatton left, and the experiences he gave to the fans who travelled so far to cheer him on alongside their loved ones, will be cherished long after his untimely death.

From BBC

“Hamilton” tells the story of the Founding Father, beginning before the Revolutionary War and ending with his untimely death at the hands of Jefferson’s vice president, Burr, during an early-morning duel in New Jersey.

From Los Angeles Times

"His untimely loss strikes deep within us all, and leaves a huge gap," Father Powell said.

From BBC

"We are taking comfort from the words of support we have received whilst we take time to come to terms with the untimely loss of our blue-eyed boy," they added.

From BBC

Related Words

• ill-timed 
• improper 
• premature 
• undue 
• unfortunate