Untimely
/ʌnˈtaɪmli/
Definitions
2 meaningsHappening before the expected or usual time; premature or inopportune.
/ʌnˈtaɪmli/
Occurring or done at an unsuitable time; premature.
The company's untimely bankruptcy left many employees unemployed.
💡 Simply: Imagine you're about to eat dinner, and someone suddenly takes the food away. Untimely means something happens at the wrong moment. Like, if a movie ends *untimely*, you might be really annoyed because you were enjoying it!
👶 For kids: Happening too early or at the wrong time.
More Examples
His untimely departure from the project caused significant delays.
The king's untimely demise led to a power struggle.
How It's Used
"The untimely death of the young musician shocked the world."
"He faced an untimely end, cut down in his prime."
In a way that is too early or at an inconvenient time.
/ʌnˈtaɪmli/
At an unsuitable time; prematurely.
The storm arrived untimely, disrupting the outdoor concert.
💡 Simply: It's like when you get a phone call right in the middle of your favorite song – it’s an *untimely* interruption! Something happening at the wrong moment.
👶 For kids: Happening too early or at the wrong time.
More Examples
He spoke untimely, revealing a secret before it was meant to be known.
She died untimely, before she could see her grandchildren.
How It's Used
"She departed the party untimely, missing the fireworks."
From Old English *untīmlīce* (adverb), meaning 'at an unseasonable time,' a combination of 'un-' (not) + 'tīma' (time) + '-līce' (suffix forming adjectives and adverbs).
Used since the late 14th century, initially in a religious context and later extended to secular matters.