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Untimely: meaning, definitions and examples

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untimely

 

[ˌənˈtaɪmli ]

Definition

Context #1 | Adjective

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?

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Word Description / Examples
untimely

Describes events that happen at a time that is not expected or desired, often causing inconvenience or problems.

  • His untimely death shocked everyone
  • The rain started at an untimely moment during the picnic
inopportune

Pertains to moments that are particularly inconvenient or unsuitable for certain events, often with an emphasis on bad timing.

  • Losing his job just before the holidays was very inopportune
  • She arrived at an inopportune moment when we were busy
premature

Describes actions or events taking place sooner than expected or desired, often suggesting something isn't fully ready.

  • His premature decision to drop out of school was regretful
  • The baby's premature birth required special medical attention
ill-timed

Refers to actions or events occurring at an inconvenient or inappropriate time, usually suggesting poor judgment.

  • Her ill-timed joke during the meeting made everyone uncomfortable
  • The phone call was ill-timed, interrupting our dinner
unseasonable

Usually refers to weather or conditions that are not typical for the current season, implying it's out of the usual pattern.

  • The unseasonable warmth in winter confused many people
  • There was unseasonable rain during the dry season

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.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

  • The word 'untimely' comes from combining 'un-' (not) and 'timely' (happening at the right time).
  • The term dates back to Middle English, first used around the 14th century, showing its long history in the language.
  • In Old English, the term involved a description of events that were considered 'poorly timed' or 'ill-timed'.

Literature

  • Shakespeare used the term 'untimely' to describe deaths that occur too soon, like in the tragedies 'Hamlet' and 'Julius Caesar'.
  • In poetry, authors often use 'untimely' to evoke a sense of loss or tragedy, emphasizing the sorrow of misaligned timing.
  • Many modern novels feature 'untimely' events as central plot points that drive conflict and character development.

Psychology

  • Research suggests that people perceive events as 'untimely' based on personal expectations and societal norms.
  • Experiencing 'untimely' events can lead to feelings of frustration, loss, or sorrow due to their unexpected nature.
  • Coping with untimely events requires emotional resilience, as individuals must adapt to changing circumstances.

Pop Culture

  • In films, 'untimely' events often serve as pivotal moments that change characters' lives forever, such as unexpected deaths or accidents.
  • Songs frequently explore themes of 'untimely' love and loss, capturing emotions tied to moments that just don’t fit.
  • Many memes humorously reference 'untimely' moments, especially those involving awkward social interactions or mistakes.

Science

  • In biology, an 'untimely' frost can damage crops, illustrating how timing is crucial for growth and survival.
  • Ecologists study events that are 'untimely' in nature, such as animals migrating too early or late due to climate changes.
  • Meteorologists often prepare for 'untimely' weather patterns, adjusting forecasts based on unpredictable climate fluctuations.

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

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.