untimely

1 of 2

adverb

un·​time·​ly ˌən-ˈtīm-lē 

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

Synonyms of untimely

Adjective

• early
• premature
• unexpected
• sudden
• inopportune

Examples of untimely in a Sentence

Adjective

the untimely arrival of our guests caught us by surprise

Recent Examples on the Web

Adjective

Timing is all wrong The tax issue is both untimely and unwise. —Sun Sentinel Editorial Board, Sun Sentinel, 3 Jan. 2026

The beginning of Simmons' sophomore season featured untimely flags and a public rebuke from Ohio State offensive lineman Phillip Daniels. —Danny Davis, Austin American Statesman, 3 Jan. 2026

But every retelling of that moment features Chase as a news anchor and a poor baby sandpiper meeting an untimely end. —Scottie Andrew, CNN Money, 1 Jan. 2026

Their efforts resolved all Presley family disputes in the wake of Lisa Marie’s untimely passing. —Sarah Sotoodeh, FOXNews.com, 30 Dec. 2025

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

Rhymes for untimely

• sublimely
• timely

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