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

An investigation into the details surrounding Meek's untimely death by the Vestavia Hills Police Department is reportedly still underway. —Tom Rogers, Newsweek, 26 Dec. 2024

Costars from her final film Something Wicked recall a frail star who was a shell of herself in those months prior to her untimely death 15 years ago. —Rebecca Aizin, People.com, 20 Dec. 2024

Common Causes Of A Dying Christmas Tree Christmas trees, whether cut or potted, can suffer from environmental stress, improper watering, and poor preparation, leading them to an untimely death. —Meghan Overdeep, Southern Living, 18 Dec. 2024

Each year, Anthony’s birthday is another painful reminder for Demetrius of his son’s untimely and preventable death. —Reggie Grant, Orlando Sentinel, 18 Dec. 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