Untimely: meaning, definitions and examples
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untimely
[ ˌənˈtaɪmli ]
adjective
Not done or occurring at the right or proper time; poorly timed; premature.
Synonyms
ill-timed, inopportune, premature, unseasonable.
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
Word | Description / Examples |
---|---|
untimely |
Describes events that happen at a time that is not expected or desired, often causing inconvenience or problems.
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inopportune |
Pertains to moments that are particularly inconvenient or unsuitable for certain events, often with an emphasis on bad timing.
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premature |
Describes actions or events taking place sooner than expected or desired, often suggesting something isn't fully ready.
|
ill-timed |
Refers to actions or events occurring at an inconvenient or inappropriate time, usually suggesting poor judgment.
|
unseasonable |
Usually refers to weather or conditions that are not typical for the current season, implying it's out of the usual pattern.
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Examples of usage
- It was an untimely decision to leave the company right before the big project started.
- The untimely death of her father left her devastated.
- The untimely arrival of the guests caught us off guard.
- The untimely rain ruined our outdoor picnic plans.
- The untimely interruption during the meeting caused confusion.
Translations
Translations of the word "untimely" in other languages:
🇵🇹 inoportuno
🇮🇳 असमय
🇩🇪 unzeitgemäß
🇮🇩 tidak tepat waktu
🇺🇦 невчасний
🇵🇱 niewczesny
🇯🇵 時期尚早の (じきしょうそうの)
🇫🇷 inopportun
🇪🇸 inoportuno
🇹🇷 zamansız
🇰🇷 시기상조의
🇸🇦 غير مناسب
🇨🇿 nevhodný
🇸🇰 nevhodný
🇨🇳 不合时宜的 (bù hé shí yí de)
🇸🇮 neprimeren
🇮🇸 óheppilegur
🇰🇿 уақтылы емес
🇬🇪 უადგილო
🇦🇿 uyğunsuz
🇲🇽 inoportuno
Etymology
The word 'untimely' originated from the combination of 'un-' and 'timely', with 'timely' having roots in the Old English term 'tīmlic' meaning 'timely, seasonable'. The negative prefix 'un-' transforms the meaning to indicate something not done or occurring at the right time. The concept of timeliness has been valued across cultures and time periods, making 'untimely' a word that resonates with various contexts of poor timing and premature occurrences.
See also: overtime, sometimes, time, timeframe, timekeeper, timeless, timeline, timeliness, timely, timepiece, timer, times, timetable, timetabling, timeworn, timing.
Word Frequency Rank
At position #13,490, this word is part of sophisticated English vocabulary. It's useful for academic or professional contexts where precise language is needed.
- ...
- 13487 delicately
- 13488 abstinence
- 13489 align
- 13490 untimely
- 13491 cocktail
- 13492 circled
- 13493 detain
- ...