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View synonyms for untimely

untimely

[ uhn-tahym-lee ]

adjective

, un·time·li·er, un·time·li·est.
  1. not timely; not occurring at a suitable time or season; ill-timed or inopportune:

    An untimely downpour stopped the game.

    Synonyms: unsuitable, inconvenient, inappropriate, unseasonable

  2. happening too soon or too early; premature:

    his untimely demise.



untimely

/ ʌnˈtaɪmlɪ /

adjective

  1. occurring before the expected, normal, or proper time

    an untimely death

  2. inappropriate to the occasion, time, or season

    his joking at the funeral was most untimely



adverb

  1. prematurely or inopportunely

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Derived Forms

  • unˈtimeliness, noun

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Other Words From

  • un·timeli·ness noun

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Word History and Origins

Origin of untimely1

First recorded in 1150–1200, untimely is from the Middle English word untimliche. See un- 1, timely

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Idioms and Phrases

see come to an (untimely) end .

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Example Sentences

Any of the four could take home the award with a strong second half, though all run the risk of someone else’s untimely injury thrusting them back into the starting lineup.

On average, the detainees were just 42 years old when they died, leading the researchers to conclude that the health care decisions made by detention center staff could have contributed to their untimely deaths.

From Vox

Season one explores the life and untimely death of legendary music executive Chris Lighty, while season two looks at the celebrated career of rapper Uncle Luke as he fought against censorship.

From Ozy

Between that and their untimely hitting, the Twins have easily been the worst clutch team in baseball — as much worse than No.

I’m not alone here, and I can’t, under any circumstances, let the other occupant know where I am, lest I meet an untimely end.

From Time

“All members of the Court and the public announce the untimely death of Lucia Aielli,” the announcement said.

He saves the helpless from burning buildings and puppies from untimely deaths.

For stories, for life, and the amazing meals we shared before his untimely death.

This whole thing resembles, in a way, the rise and untimely fall of Kurt Cobain.

Whoever sold Hoffman this brand of narcotic aided in his untimely death.

In Tayabas the officiousness of the Governor almost brought him to an untimely end.

You may be overheard, and give pain or cause annoyance by your untimely conversation.

Topping must not be delayed after the blossoming, in order that all danger from an untimely frost may be avoided.

As a snail which melteth, let every one of them pass away, like the untimely birth of a woman, that they may not see the sun.

He had been more to me than any of my other companions, and deeply I sorrowed over his untimely fate.

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Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023

Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.

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