inopportune

adjective

in·​op·​por·​tune (ˌ)in-ˌä-pər-ˈtün How to pronounce inopportune (audio)
-ˈtyün
Synonyms of inopportunenext
: inconvenient, unseasonable
inopportunely adverb
inopportuneness
(ˌ)in-ˌä-pər-ˈt(y)ün-nəs How to pronounce inopportune (audio)
noun

Synonyms of inopportune

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Examples of inopportune in a Sentence

He always shows up at the most inopportune times. an inopportune sale of stocks
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Missing out on this opportunity would be more than inopportune. — Thomas Drance, New York Times, 1 July 2026 But most of them are caused by Patricia, who keeps re-entering the room — the same space that was once the Warrens’ bedroom — at inopportune moments. — Jen Chaney, Vulture, 27 May 2026 Golden State played uncharacteristically, giving up open shots and turning the ball over at inopportune times. — Nathan Canilao, Mercury News, 18 June 2026 These headwinds are particularly inopportune for the spring market, traditionally the busiest for the housing sector. — John Kell, Fortune, 24 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for inopportune

Word History

Etymology

Latin inopportunus, from in- + opportunus opportune

First Known Use

circa 1507, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of inopportune was circa 1507

Rhymes for inopportune

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Browse Nearby Words

inoperculate
inopportune
in opposition to
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Cite this Entry

“Inopportune.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/inopportune. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.

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Kids Definition

inopportune

adjective
in·​op·​por·​tune (ˌ)in-ˌäp-ər-ˈt(y)ün How to pronounce inopportune (audio)
: inconvenient
an inopportune time
inopportunely adverb

More from Merriam-Webster on inopportune

Nglish: Translation of inopportune for Spanish Speakers

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