What does untimely mean?
Untimely describes something that arrives or happens before the proper time, at an unsuitable moment, or in a way that interrupts what should have continued. Its best-known use is “untimely death,” but it can qualify decisions, interruptions, departures, and other events that are premature or badly timed. The adjective is standard in formal and literary English, while the adverb is possible but much less common. In everyday speech, a context may favor “premature” for an event that occurs too early or “ill-timed” for an event that disrupts plans; “untimely” often adds a more serious or poignant tone. The word is useful because it captures both chronology and evaluation: an action can be literally too soon and also poorly judged in relation to circumstances. That combination makes it especially apt for writing about disrupted lives, interrupted work, and decisions made before the necessary preparation or information was available.
Occurring at an unsuitable or wrong time; premature or ill-timed.
"The committee made an untimely decision before hearing the witnesses."
Especially common in formal expressions concerning premature death or an abrupt, unfortunate ending.
At an unsuitable or wrong time; prematurely or in an ill-timed manner.
"Unfortunately, the announcement came untimely."
Less common than the adjective and more typical of formal or literary prose.
A life can end on time or untimely—and only one of those descriptions carries the painful promise of more time.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does untimely come from?
Untimely was formed in Middle English by adding the negative prefix un- to timely, with the sense “not at the proper time.” Timely belongs to the English word family of time and carries the positive sense “fitting or suited to the time.” The pairing also illustrates the productive use of un- in English to reverse the meaning of a word.
Related word forms
How untimely is actually used
The adjective is standard in formal, literary, and journalistic English. The adverb is grammatically possible but much less common than the adjective.