untimely

Untimely is an English adjective used to describe events, actions, or outcomes that occur at an inopportune or inappropriate time. It conveys that timing is off in a way that is often perceived as unfortunate, premature, or disruptive. The term can apply to natural occurrences, decisions, plans, or introductions as they relate to the moment at which they happen.

In common usage, untimely frequently appears in reference to events thought to have occurred too soon or at an inconvenient moment. It is widely used in journalism, obituaries, and literary writing to signal a sense of regret or misfortune tied to timing, such as an untimely interruption, an untimely departure, or an untimely death. While the word often carries a negative tone, it can describe any situation where timing fails to align with expectations or needs.

Etymology and form: Untimely is formed from the prefix un- added to timely, with timely deriving from Old English and related historical terms connected to time and appropriateness. The word has been in use in English since the Middle English period and remains a standard descriptor in both formal and informal language.

See also: timely, timeliness, premature, ill-timed. These related terms help distinguish between appropriate timing, the quality of being timely, and various senses of timing-related misalignment.