inopportune

adjective

in·​op·​por·​tune (ˌ)in-ˌä-pər-ˈtün 

-ˈtyün

: inconvenient, unseasonable

inopportunely adverb

inopportuneness

(ˌ)in-ˌä-pər-ˈt(y)ün-nəs 

noun

Synonyms of inopportune

• unexpected
• early
• premature
• sudden
• untimely
• precocious

Examples of inopportune in a Sentence

He always shows up at the most inopportune times.

an inopportune sale of stocks

Recent Examples on the Web

Golden State played uncharacteristically, giving up open shots and turning the ball over at inopportune times. —Nathan Canilao, Mercury News, 18 June 2026

Advertisement The departure of some of Russia’s brightest computer scientists has come at an inopportune moment for the country. —Nikita Ostrovsky, Time, 18 June 2026

But most of them are caused by Patricia, who keeps re-entering the room — the same space that was once the Warrens’ bedroom — at inopportune moments. —Jen Chaney, Vulture, 27 May 2026

There’s the brooding, damaged Creasy, who confusingly passes out at inopportune moments owing to his trauma; an international setting (Italy in the book and first film, Mexico City in the 2004 movie); and a young woman who breaks through his defenses and teaches him to feel again. —Daniel Fienberg, HollywoodReporter, 30 Apr. 2026

Word History

Etymology

Latin inopportunus, from in- + opportunus opportune

First Known Use

circa 1507, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for inopportune

• midafternoon
• spermatozoon
• afternoon
• forenoon
• honeymoon
• importune
• laocoon
• opportune
• pantaloon
• picayune
• tablespoon
• attune

Kids Definition

inopportune

adjective

in·​op·​por·​tune (ˌ)in-ˌäp-ər-ˈt(y)ün 

: inconvenient

an inopportune time

inopportunely adverb