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
After passing away last Thursday at a local Charlotte hospital, news of the untimely death of Kyle Busch sent shockwaves through the sports community. Trey Wallace, FOXNews.com, 27 May 2026 Bron Breakker Bron Breakker was essentially penciled in to win a world title at WrestleMania 42 before an untimely injury derailed his push temporarily. Blake Oestriecher, Forbes.com, 26 May 2026 Following his untimely death, Hart has continued to be remembered for his wrestling skills, but also as a beloved husband, father, friend and colleague. Makena Gera, PEOPLE, 23 May 2026 The court agreed with the jury’s determination that Altman and OpenAI were not liable, and therefore claims of breach of charitable trust and unjust enrichment are dismissed as untimely. Andrew Nusca, Fortune, 19 May 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 1 Jun. 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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