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

Life insurance used to provide protection against untimely death, known as mortality risk. —Avivah Wittenberg-Cox, Forbes, 21 Feb. 2025

Notably, the songs featured on the album were unable to be recorded before Marczewski’s untimely death. —Tyler Jenke, Billboard, 20 Feb. 2025

Aside from an untimely triceps injury that put him on the shelf for several months, Punk’s impact on the next crop of talent has been palpable. —Ryan Gaydos, Fox News, 15 Feb. 2025

The young woman’s former school, Great Sankey High School in Warrington, also paid tribute to Harrison in the wake of her untimely death. —Laura Barcella, People.com, 14 Feb. 2025

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