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

Party bosses assisted members and their families in times of illness or economic hardship, covering funeral expenses after an untimely death, looking after widows and children. —Bruce J. Schulman / Made By History, TIME, 13 Dec. 2024

Over the years, the actress has been candid about the circumstances surrounding her pregnancy, including the untimely death of her father David. —Francesca Gariano, People.com, 13 Dec. 2024

The untimely death is being jointly investigated by the Department of Correction and Connecticut State Police. —Justin Muszynski, Hartford Courant, 12 Dec. 2024

Entertainment gossip and news from Newsweek's network of contributors Vanessa Bryant continues to honor her husband's legacy over four years after he and his daughter Gianna's untimely death. —Daniel R. Depetris, Newsweek, 7 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