un·time·ly
ˌən-ˈtīm-lē 
1
: at an inopportune time : unseasonably
… thought I was mad, or most untimely merry …—
T. E. Lawrence
T. E. Lawrence2
: before the due, natural, or proper time : prematurely
went untimely to the grave
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
Chris Murphy, Vanity Fair, 5 May 2026
Orlando turned the ball over three times — twice inside the red zone — and there were also untimely penalties and numerous missed tackles as Orlando lost for the second straight game 20-14.
—Chris Hays, The Orlando Sentinel, 4 May 2026
The untimely passing of curator Koyo Kouoh, the artistic director of the 2026 Venice Biennale, has been deeply felt throughout the art world for the past year.
—Maximilíano Durón, ARTnews.com, 4 May 2026
The musical chronicles the life and times of Perón, including her origins, rise to fame, political career and untimely death.
—Rebecca Rubin, Variety, 29 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for untimely
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Adjective
Gummer broke hearts and has earned early Emmy buzz—especially for her work in the final episode of the series, in which Caroline reckons with the untimely death of her brother and his wife.
—Chris Murphy, Vanity Fair, 5 May 2026
Orlando turned the ball over three times — twice inside the red zone — and there were also untimely penalties and numerous missed tackles as Orlando lost for the second straight game 20-14.
—Chris Hays, The Orlando Sentinel, 4 May 2026
The untimely passing of curator Koyo Kouoh, the artistic director of the 2026 Venice Biennale, has been deeply felt throughout the art world for the past year.
—Maximilíano Durón, ARTnews.com, 4 May 2026
The musical chronicles the life and times of Perón, including her origins, rise to fame, political career and untimely death.
—Rebecca Rubin, Variety, 29 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for untimely
Cite this Entry
“Untimely.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/untimely. Accessed 13 May. 2026.
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