What does mistiming mean?
Mistiming is the act of doing something at the wrong moment or arranging for something to occur at an unsuitable time. The noun can refer either to the mistake itself or to a specific badly timed action, as in the mistiming of a joke, announcement, or performance. The verb means to time something incorrectly. A mistiming is often only a small error in practical terms, but its consequences can be considerable: an announcement made too soon may spoil a surprise, while a performance started late can disrupt everything that follows. The word is especially associated with comedy, public speaking, broadcasting, and coordinated events, where the exact moment of an action affects its effect. Although it commonly implies that an event occurred too early or too late, it can also cover choosing the wrong moment even when the timing is broadly accurate. Its standard plural is “mistimings,” though the word is often used in the singular.
The act or result of timing something wrongly, especially by doing it too early or too late.
"A slight mistiming of the ceremony left the guests waiting outside."
Can refer either to the mistake itself or to a particular badly timed action.
To time an action or event incorrectly.
"The producer mistimed the dramatic pause, reducing its effect."
Less common than the noun and usually transitive.
Used when referring to multiple separate instances of incorrect timing.
"Repeated mistimings during the performance confused the audience."
The difference between a brilliant entrance and an awkward one can be only a fraction of a second.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Etymology of mistiming
Mistiming is an English formation combining the prefix mis-, meaning wrongly or incorrectly, with time and the suffix -ing. Time derives from Old English tīma, an inherited Germanic word, while -ing is an English suffix that forms gerunds and related nouns. The resulting form is transparent in meaning: it denotes the wrong timing of an action. Its relatives timer, timeless, timely, and timing preserve the same historical root.
Related word forms
How mistiming is actually used
The noun is more common than the verb. Both are generally neutral to mildly negative and describe an action occurring at the wrong moment, often one that causes interruption, confusion, or embarrassment.