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Synonyms

inopportune

American  
[in-op-er-toon, -tyoon] / ɪnˌɒp ərˈtun, -ˈtyun /

adjective

  1. not opportune; inappropriate; inconvenient; untimely or unseasonable.

    an inopportune visit.


inopportune British  
/ ɪnˈɒpəˌtjuːn /

adjective

  1. not opportune; inappropriate or badly timed

"Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged" 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Usage

What does inopportune mean? Inopportune means inappropriate, unfavorable, or unsuitable for a particular situation or occasion.It can also mean coming at the wrong time. The terms untimely and poorly-timed mean the same thing.Inopportune is especially used in the phrases inopportune moment and inopportune time, meaning the moment that’s least suitable or favorable (for something to happen or be done).Inopportune is the opposite is opportune, which means appropriate, favorable, or suitable for a particular situation or occasion. It can also mean coming at the right time—timely or well-timed.Example: The audit was very inopportune—it came at the worst possible time.

Other Word Forms

  • inopportunely adverb
  • inopportuneness noun
  • inopportunity noun

Etymology

Origin of inopportune

From the Late Latin word inopportūnus, dating back to 1525–35. See in- 3, opportune

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

The latest letdown comes at an inopportune moment.

From Barron's

But it comes at an inopportune time for the industry, as investors pull money from some private-credit funds amid turbulence in that market.

From The Wall Street Journal

Her prom dreams inch closer as her lies begin to mount and her new alabaster skin starts peeling off at extremely inopportune moments.

From Los Angeles Times

So, disruption to the expected rebound in earnings growth comes at an inopportune time for European stock markets, just as analysts were predicting the headwinds of forex and tariffs would start to ease.

From MarketWatch

Tom Skiles, a 30-year resident who periodically drives his wife to the hospital, said that while he understands the plight of the homeless, it is an inopportune time to lose a guaranteed amenity.

From Los Angeles Times