Word
untimely
Phoneticsun·time·ly, stress on the second syllable
US/ənˈtaɪmɫi/
UK/ʌntˈaɪmli/
Definitions
01happening too soon
B2 · Upper Intermediate Formal
adj. happening earlier than expected, especially when referring to a person's death.
adj. occurring before the natural or expected time; frequently used as a euphemism for a premature death.
“The news of the young actor's untimely death shocked his fans around the world.”
“The company struggled to recover following the untimely departure of its founder, whose vision had guided every major project for a decade.”
Antonyms
02at a bad time
B2 · Upper Intermediate Formal
adj. happening at a time that is not suitable or causes problems.
adj. occurring at an inopportune or inconvenient moment.
“An untimely power cut ruined the chef's plans for the big dinner party.”
“The sudden rainstorm proved to be an untimely interruption for the outdoor wedding ceremony, forcing the guests to seek shelter in the small chapel.”
Synonyms
Antonyms
03done too early
C1 · Advanced Literary · Formal
adv. happening or done before the right time.
adv. occurring prematurely or at an inappropriate time. Often functions as a flat adverb in formal or literary contexts.
“The blossoms appeared untimely due to the unusually warm winter weather.”
“The frost arrived untimely, destroying the harvest before the farmers had a chance to gather the remaining crops.”
Synonyms
Antonyms
Real-World Examples
“If we are to successfully prevent tragic and untimely deaths among these young people, we need to recognize that youth justice is more than a criminal justice issue.” “When Tony Blair became leader, following John Smith's untimely death in 1994, he too recognised the importance of keeping John Prescott on board.” Etymology
From Middle English untymely (also earlier untimliche), equivalent to un- + timely. First attested in the early 13th century. Compare Middle Danish utimelig, Old English untídlic (“unreasonable”).
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.B2 FirstIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.5.5–6.5TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 4.0–4.572–94TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.785–944
- Frequency
- Occasional
- Level
- B2 · Upper Intermediate
- Updated
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englishreference.com/q/untimely