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adj

inopportune

Inopportune (adj) means happening at an inconvenient or badly timed moment. Example: “He chose a highly inopportune moment to bring up the layoffs.”

adj
1
Happening at an inconvenient or badly timed moment.
"He chose a highly inopportune moment to bring up the layoffs."
"The phone rang at the most inopportune time, right in the middle of the ceremony."

How to use inopportune

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishBadly timed; happening at the wrong moment.

Easily confused with
Common pairings
inopportune moment inopportune time

Word forms

more inopportune comparative, most inopportune superlative

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He chose a highly _____ moment to bring up the layoffs.

Etymology

From Latin inopportunus — in- ("not") plus opportunus ("fitting, timely").

Origin: Latin

Related words

Rhymes for inopportune

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Frequently asked questions

What does “inopportune” mean?

The word “inopportune” means happening at an inconvenient or badly timed moment. In plain terms, badly timed; happening at the wrong moment.

How do you use “inopportune” in a sentence?

Here is “inopportune” used in a sentence: “He chose a highly inopportune moment to bring up the layoffs.”

What is another word for “inopportune”?

Words with a similar meaning to “inopportune” include unfit and untimely.

What is the opposite of “inopportune”?

The opposite of “inopportune” — its antonyms — are opportune, appropriate, fitting and timely.

What part of speech is “inopportune”?

“Inopportune” is an adjective.

Where does the word “inopportune” come from?

The word “inopportune” comes from Latin. From Latin inopportunus — in- ("not") plus opportunus ("fitting, timely").

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Definitions: FreeDict original editorial