Definition

Happening at the worst possible time; occurring too late or too early for a situation.

Example

His untimeliest arrival caused a lot of confusion at the meeting.

Comparatives & Superlatives

Conversation

Did you hear about Tom's untimeliest joke at the meeting?

Yeah, it was so awkward!

I can't believe he chose that moment to tell it.

Right? It was definitely the worst time for humor.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Untimeliest → It is formed from the prefix 'un-' (meaning not), the root 'timely' (from Old English 'timely', meaning occurring at the right time), and the suffix '-est' (meaning the most). The word 'untimeliest' means the most not occurring at the right time or the least timely.

Memory Tip

Think of 'not' ('un-') being added to 'timely', which means at the right time, and then adding '-est' to indicate the extreme. This helps you remember that 'untimeliest' refers to something that is the least timely.

Visually Confused Words