un·time·ly
ˌən-ˈtīm-lē 
1
: at an inopportune time : unseasonably
2
: before the due, natural, or proper time : prematurely
went untimely to the grave
1
: inopportune, unseasonable
an untimely joke
untimely frost
2
: occurring or done before the due, natural, or proper time : too early : premature
an untimely death
untimeliness
noun
Examples of untimely in a Sentence
Adjective
the untimely arrival of our guests caught us by surprise
Recent Examples on the Web
Dani Di Placido, Forbes.com, 6 Aug. 2025
Natasha’s untimely death devastated her family, including Neeson, her children and her mother, who opened up to PEOPLE in 2019 about the heartbreaking loss.
—Lynsey Eidell, People.com, 5 Aug. 2025
At least Judge, Daniels, and Paterson left the character’s distinctively androgynous voice (provided by Pamela Adlon in both incarnations of a show that has weathered the untimely deaths of too many original voice actors) intact.
—Judy Berman, Time, 4 Aug. 2025
River Phoenix’s name still resonates with cinephiles and casual moviegoers alike, nearly three decades after his untimely death.
—William Earl, Variety, 1 Aug. 2025
See All Example Sentences for untimely
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
Read More
Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
Send us feedback.
Adjective
The fact that many of these late stars suffered tragic, untimely deaths adds to the ghoulishness of the display—all are shown grinning inanely at the camera, animated by the digital necromancy of generative AI.
—Dani Di Placido, Forbes.com, 6 Aug. 2025
Natasha’s untimely death devastated her family, including Neeson, her children and her mother, who opened up to PEOPLE in 2019 about the heartbreaking loss.
—Lynsey Eidell, People.com, 5 Aug. 2025
At least Judge, Daniels, and Paterson left the character’s distinctively androgynous voice (provided by Pamela Adlon in both incarnations of a show that has weathered the untimely deaths of too many original voice actors) intact.
—Judy Berman, Time, 4 Aug. 2025
River Phoenix’s name still resonates with cinephiles and casual moviegoers alike, nearly three decades after his untimely death.
—William Earl, Variety, 1 Aug. 2025
See All Example Sentences for untimely
Cite this Entry
“Untimely.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/untimely. Accessed 20 Aug. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share