untimely

1 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

untimeliness

2 of 2

noun

un·​timeliness

"+

: the quality or state of being untimely

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

Discussing the subject with an older person who is suffering from chronic pain, is worried about paying for health care or medications, and is exhausted from caregiving is untimely to say the least. —Helen Dennis, Daily News, 30 May 2026

The trial court determined that her petition was untimely and denied, the prosecutors say. —Marina Watts, Entertainment Weekly, 29 May 2026

After passing away last Thursday at a local Charlotte hospital, news of the untimely death of Kyle Busch sent shockwaves through the sports community. —Trey Wallace, FOXNews.com, 27 May 2026

Bron Breakker Bron Breakker was essentially penciled in to win a world title at WrestleMania 42 before an untimely injury derailed his push temporarily. —Blake Oestriecher, Forbes.com, 26 May 2026

Word History

First Known Use

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