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
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
Examples of untimely in a Sentence
Adjective
the untimely arrival of our guests caught us by surprise
Recent Examples on the Web
Michael Hiltzik, Los Angeles Times, 3 Dec. 2024
Paired with that was a budding romance with Teeter (Jennifer Landon), which was cut short by Colby’s untimely death in Sunday’s episode.
—William Earl, Variety, 2 Dec. 2024
Three decades after Senna’s untimely death, the Brazilian driver is still widely considered one of the best (and the fastest) drivers in Formula 1 racing history.
—Jake Kring-Schreifels, TIME, 29 Nov. 2024
Meanwhile, Bright and Kauffman also noted that the show’s 30th anniversary is somewhat bittersweet given Matthew Perry’s untimely death in October of last year.
—John Russell, Peoplemag, 20 Sep. 2024
See all Example Sentences for untimely 
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
If those benefits were based on the balances in a worker’s individual account, then the families of those who have suffered untimely deaths could receive a pittance, running out while still needing help.
—Michael Hiltzik, Los Angeles Times, 3 Dec. 2024
Paired with that was a budding romance with Teeter (Jennifer Landon), which was cut short by Colby’s untimely death in Sunday’s episode.
—William Earl, Variety, 2 Dec. 2024
Three decades after Senna’s untimely death, the Brazilian driver is still widely considered one of the best (and the fastest) drivers in Formula 1 racing history.
—Jake Kring-Schreifels, TIME, 29 Nov. 2024
Meanwhile, Bright and Kauffman also noted that the show’s 30th anniversary is somewhat bittersweet given Matthew Perry’s untimely death in October of last year.
—John Russell, Peoplemag, 20 Sep. 2024
See all Example Sentences for untimely
Dictionary Entries Near untimely
Cite this Entry
“Untimely.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/untimely. Accessed 18 Dec. 2024.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share