Definition

Not suitable or well-timed; occurring at a bad time.

Example

His arrival was inopportune, as the meeting had just ended.

Conversation

Did you hear about the meeting they scheduled for next week?

Yeah, it's at such an inopportune time for everyone.

Exactly! I can't believe they picked that hour.

Right? It would be better if they could choose a more convenient slot.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Inopportune → It is formed from "in-" (meaning not) and "opportunus" (from Latin, meaning suitable or favorable). The word describes a time or situation that is not suitable or favorable for something to happen.

Memory Tip

Think of 'not' ('in-') being combined with 'suitable' ('opportunus') to remember that 'inopportune' refers to something that is not suitable or favorable.

Visually Confused Words