untimely

1 of 2

adverb

un·​time·​ly ˌən-ˈtīm-lē How to pronounce untimely (audio)
Synonyms of untimelynext
1
: at an inopportune time : unseasonably
… thought I was mad, or most untimely merry …T. E. Lawrence
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
a
: occurring or done before the due, natural, or proper time : too early : premature
an untimely death
b
: not made, done, or submitted within a set time period
an untimely petition
untimeliness noun

Examples of untimely in a Sentence

Adjective the untimely arrival of our guests caught us by surprise
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Adjective
The musical chronicles the life and times of Perón, including her origins, rise to fame, political career and untimely death. Rebecca Rubin, Variety, 29 Apr. 2026 Giannis has suffered a couple of untimely injuries in the playoffs, including one against the Heat in 2023 that opened their avenue to the NBA Finals. Dave Hyde, Sun Sentinel, 27 Apr. 2026 Indeed, the level of global acclaim Jackson, who tragically died in 2009 at the untimely age of 50 due to acute propofol intoxication, achieves is unprecedented. Keith Murphy, VIBE.com, 24 Apr. 2026 Players look emotionally exhausted and detached from their current status, with Brighton’s last-gasp goal on Saturday another untimely blow. Eduardo Tansley, New York Times, 22 Apr. 2026 See All Example Sentences for untimely

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

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Untimely.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/untimely. Accessed 2 May. 2026.

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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