untimely

1 of 2

adverb

un·​time·​ly ˌən-ˈtīm-lē How to pronounce untimely (audio)
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

Examples of untimely in a Sentence

Adjective the untimely arrival of our guests caught us by surprise
Recent Examples on the Web
Adjective
Since Marley’s untimely death in 1981, he has been defined as a musical icon. John Blake, CNN, 3 Mar. 2024 Andre Braugher’s untimely death lends a poignancy to a really funny show. Bill Goodykoontz, The Arizona Republic, 18 Jan. 2024 The Biggest Revelations from Matthew Perry's Memoir, 'Friends, Lovers, and the Big Terrible Thing' Before his untimely death on Oct. 28, the beloved Friends star had been planning to establish a foundation to support those suffering from the same disease. Lizz Schumer, Peoplemag, 20 Feb. 2024 Despite some inherent tension, there is a consensus that they were robbed of a bright light; and a range of emotions come through in their recollection of his short life, even shorter career, and his untimely death. Lotoya Francis, Rolling Stone, 19 Feb. 2024 The suit also seeks compensation for the loss of family caused by Duvan's untimely death and the enjoyment of his life. Lici Beveridge, USA TODAY, 7 Feb. 2024 The usual suspects were responsible for Detroit’s collapse — untimely turnovers and poor defense. Omari Sankofa Ii, Detroit Free Press, 10 Jan. 2024 In real life, Paley reigned supreme over New York's social scene from the 50s until her untimely death from lung cancer in 1974. Cady Lang, TIME, 2 Feb. 2024 Less than two years before his untimely passing in 2016, the enigmatic and iconic musician delivered a performance that left the audience spellbound, marking a spectacular celebration of ESSENCE Fest’s 20th anniversary. Shelby Stewart, Essence, 19 Dec. 2023

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'untimely.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

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

Time Traveler
The first known use of untimely was in the 13th century

Dictionary Entries Near untimely

Cite this Entry

“Untimely.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/untimely. Accessed 19 Mar. 2024.

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

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