untimely

1 of 2

adverb

un·​time·​ly ˌən-ˈtīm-lē How to pronounce untimely (audio)
Synonyms of untimelynext
1
: at an inopportune time : unseasonably
… thought I was mad, or most untimely merry …T. E. Lawrence
2
: before the due, natural, or proper time : prematurely
went untimely to the grave

untimely

2 of 2

adjective

1
: inopportune, unseasonable
an untimely joke
untimely frost
2
a
: occurring or done before the due, natural, or proper time : too early : premature
an untimely death
b
: not made, done, or submitted within a set time period
an untimely petition
untimeliness noun

Examples of untimely in a Sentence

Adjective the untimely arrival of our guests caught us by surprise
Recent Examples on the Web
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
Federal prosecutors, in their response, said his request is untimely and without merit. Alexandra Kukulka, Chicago Tribune, 10 Mar. 2026 Yet after that near miss, Montreal delivered a direct hit and then another after Trevor Moore took an untimely slashing penalty. Andrew Knoll, Daily News, 8 Mar. 2026 Whether it was tousled by hand or pulled back in a tortoiseshell headband, Bessette’s length and color followed the same effortless code of her wardrobe, leaving us with enduring hair inspiration even after her untimely passing. Ariana Yaptangco, Glamour, 5 Mar. 2026 Todd Meadows' untimely death was captured on camera, according to one of his Deadliest Catch costars. Wesley Stenzel, Entertainment Weekly, 4 Mar. 2026 See All Example Sentences for untimely

Word History

First Known Use

Adverb

13th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Adjective

13th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of untimely was in the 13th century

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Untimely.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/untimely. Accessed 12 Mar. 2026.

Kids Definition

untimely

adjective
un·​time·​ly
ˌən-ˈtīm-lē
ˈən-
1
: occurring or done before the expected, natural, or proper time : premature
untimely death
2
: coming at the wrong time
an untimely joke

Legal Definition

untimely

adjective
un·​time·​ly
ˌən-ˈtīm-lē
: not timely
especially : not made or filed within a period of time specified by procedural rule
an untimely petition
untimeliness noun
untimely adverb

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