untimely

1 of 2

adverb

un·​time·​ly ˌən-ˈtīm-lē How to pronounce untimely (audio)
1
: at an inopportune time : unseasonably
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
: 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
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
Naroditsky’s untimely death has shined a spotlight on the dark underbelly of the game that fellow pros say brought undue hostility upon the chess star in his final months. Corey Williams, Fortune, 22 Oct. 2025 The glaring weakness last year was giving up untimely goals, so the Revolution may choose to bolster the back line and defensive midfield. Julian Cardillo, Boston Herald, 21 Oct. 2025 But even amid the shock of Martin’s untimely passing, those who witnessed the Stockton kid’s rise to the sport’s top ranks recalled the determination that had brought him there. Jakob Rodgers, Mercury News, 20 Oct. 2025 The seasonal spectacle will reach its untimely ending the night before Halloween at a secret location with only 1,000 unfortunate souls allowed entry (if that’s you, sign up at the mailing list at the Wondaween website for your chance to attend). Charisma Madarang, Rolling Stone, 15 Oct. 2025 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 28 Oct. 2025.

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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