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.
It won’t be redeveloped due to its inopportune location set between two sets of railroad tracks, Smith said. — Jenna Ebbers, Kansas City Star, 3 Sep. 2026 The ultra-violent mayhem simply doesn’t fit well with such comic touches as Hank continuing to carry the parakeet in the birdcage around even while being chased by the bad guys and Ben experiencing a panic attack at an inopportune moment. — Frank Scheck, HollywoodReporter, 2 Sep. 2026 Knowing how to recognize the signs that your water heater is nearing the end of its lifespan can save you from an inconvenient breakdown (or worse, water damage) at an inopportune moment. — Jamie Cuccinelli, Martha Stewart, 24 Aug. 2026 The accusation comes at an inopportune time, when Microsoft is trying to optimize Windows 11 for 8GB of RAM and PC makers are developing less expensive hardware to compete with Apple’s MacBook Neo. — Chris Hoffman, PC Magazine, 19 Aug. 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 6 Sep. 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
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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