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
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
Prince died following an accidental fentanyl overdose in 2016 Comments Prince has been widely regarded as one of the most influential musicians of all time and his untimely death in 2016 shocked the world. Alex Gurley, People.com, 21 Apr. 2025 Yet despite his untimely death, Robinson deserves recognition not only for his athletic accomplishments but also for his commitment to equality. Michael Higginbotham, Baltimore Sun, 16 Apr. 2025 The Other Dutton Baby Following the untimely death of Jack Dutton (the nephew to Spencer and great nephew to Jacob and Cara played by Darren Mann), his widow Elizabeth Dutton (played by Randolph) decided to leave the ranch in the 1923 season two finale. Jackie Strause, HollywoodReporter, 16 Apr. 2025 Following Aaron Carter's untimely death at 34, the reaction from media and pop fans was a painful mixture of grief and resignation. Rachel Brodsky, Time, 15 Apr. 2025 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 29 Apr. 2025.

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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