untimely

1 of 2

adverb

un·​time·​ly ˌən-ˈtīm-lē 

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

Synonyms

Adjective

• early
• inopportune
• precocious
• premature
• unseasonable

Examples of untimely in a Sentence

Adjective

the untimely arrival of our guests caught us by surprise

Recent Examples on the Web

Adjective

Keep reading to find out more about the couple’s relationship, from their dressing room meet-cute to their untimely deaths. —Nicole Briese, Peoplemag, 16 July 2024

In the movie, The Penguin was a lieutenant to crime boss Carmine Falcone, who met an untimely end. —James Hibberd, The Hollywood Reporter, 20 June 2024

And there is certainly no blueprint on doing it as a single father following the untimely death of your wife. —Clarence E. Hill Jr., Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 16 June 2024

The dancing couple was married nine years before Boss’ untimely death in December 2022. —Vivian Kwarm, New York Daily News, 14 June 2024

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

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