inopportune
At wrong moment
Inopportune describes timing that is inconvenient, awkward, or poorly suited to the circumstances.
An inopportune moment is one when an action or event causes problems precisely because of when it occurs: His inopportune phone call interrupted the meeting at its most critical point.
The word emphasizes the mismatch between timing and situation rather than the inherent quality of the thing itself—a question isn't bad, but asking it at an inopportune time makes it unwelcome.
Occurring at wrong moment
- untimelyOccurring too soon
- prematureOccurring before expected
- belatedArriving after expected
- mistimedDone at wrong moment
unseasonable · early · late · delayed · overdue · unexpected · unanticipated · unscheduled
Not wished for
- uninvitedWithout formal welcome
- intrusiveInvading others' privacy
- undesirableNot wanted or sought
- unsolicitedNot asked for
unwelcome · inappropriate · unsuitable · unfitting · objectionable · unwarranted · ill-suited · out-of-place
Causing awkward self-consciousness
- uncomfortableCausing unease or distress
- awkwardLacking grace or ease
- tactlessInsensitive in manner
- indelicateLacking refinement or tact
ill-judged · maladroit · gauche · clumsy · inept · ill-chosen · unfortunate · regrettable
Break in continuity
- interferenceUnwelcome involvement in affairs
- disturbanceDisruption of order
- hindranceBarrier to progress
- obstructionSomething blocking the way
disruption · distraction · intrusion · imposition · inconvenience · complication · setback
ill-timed
Occurring at wrong moment
mistimed · unseasonable · early · late · delayed · overdue · unexpected · unanticipated · unscheduled · misjudged
unwanted
Not wished for
- uninvitedWithout formal welcome
- intrusiveInvading others' privacy
- undesirableNot wanted or sought
unsolicited · unwelcome · inappropriate · unsuitable · unfitting · objectionable · unwarranted · ill-suited · out-of-place · impolitic
embarrassing
Causing awkward self-consciousness
- uncomfortableCausing unease or distress
- awkwardLacking grace or ease
- tactlessInsensitive in manner
indelicate · ill-judged · maladroit · gauche · clumsy · inept · ill-chosen · unfortunate · regrettable · cringe-worthy
interruption
Break in continuity
- interferenceUnwelcome involvement in affairs
- disturbanceDisruption of order
- hindranceBarrier to progress
obstruction · disruption · distraction · intrusion · imposition · inconvenience · complication · setback
inopportuneopportune
Favorable in timing
well-timed · timely · seasonable · convenient · fitting
inopportuneauspicious
Indicating future success
propitious · favorable · favourable · fortunate · providential