untimely
Intermediate (B1)
IPA: //ʌnˈtaɪmli//
KK: /ʌnˈtaɪmli/
adjective
Definition
Happening at a bad or unsuitable time; too early or inappropriate.
Example
His untimely arrival disrupted the meeting.
Conversation
Did you hear about Mark's untimely departure from the team?
Yeah, it seemed so sudden and unexpected.
I know! It really feels like it happened at an untimely moment for us.
Exactly, we could really use his experience right now.
Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms
inopportune
premature
early
Antonyms
timely
appropriate
late
adverb
Definition
At a time that is not suitable or appropriate, often too early or unexpected.
Example
His untimely arrival disrupted the meeting.
Conversation
I heard about the party getting canceled.
Yeah, it was such an untimely decision, right?
I was really looking forward to it this weekend.
Root Explanation
Untimely → It is formed from "un-" (meaning not) and "timely" (from Old English "timelic", meaning suitable or opportune). The word "untimely" means not suitable or occurring at an inappropriate time.
Memory Tip
Think of 'not' ('un-') being added to 'suitable time' ('timely') — that's why untimely means something that happens at the wrong time.
Visually Confused Words
untamely
timely
untamedly
unitively