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

Stanford went 5 of 15 on third down and was hampered by a slew of inopportune penalties that Miami capitalized on. — Jordan McPherson, Miami Herald, 5 Sep. 2026

It won’t be redeveloped due to its inopportune location set between two sets of railroad tracks, Smith said. — Jenna Ebbers, Kansas City Star, 3 Sep. 2026

The ultra-violent mayhem simply doesn’t fit well with such comic touches as Hank continuing to carry the parakeet in the birdcage around even while being chased by the bad guys and Ben experiencing a panic attack at an inopportune moment. — Frank Scheck, HollywoodReporter, 2 Sep. 2026

Knowing how to recognize the signs that your water heater is nearing the end of its lifespan can save you from an inconvenient breakdown (or worse, water damage) at an inopportune moment. — Jamie Cuccinelli, Martha Stewart, 24 Aug. 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