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Untimely: meaning, definitions and examples

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untimely

 

[ ˌənˈtaɪmli ]

Adjective
Context #1 | Adjective

adjective

Not done or occurring at the right or proper time; poorly timed; premature.

Synonyms

ill-timed, inopportune, premature, unseasonable

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.