Awkward timing

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "Awkward timing" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a situation where the timing of an event or action is inappropriate or uncomfortable. Example: "Bringing up that topic during the meeting was awkward timing, as everyone was already feeling tense."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

27 human-written examples

In one of the more dramatic incidents of election day, she shouts: "You Tories, you've got no right to be outside the NHS, you're destroying it!" Awkward timing.

Independent

"Awkward timing at the Woman of the Future awards with Jack Monroe surprised with a prize", read the diary in Wednesday's London Evening Standard.

The Guardian - Opinion

In the efforts to militate against the awkward timing, some of the caretakers reported to have stayed awake until such time.

BMC Health Services Research

James: It was awkward timing.

The New York Times

Despite the awkward timing, the tension over Magnitsky barely came up at the meeting.

The New York Times

Financial analysts applauded Ford's move even while noting the awkward timing.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

33 human-written examples

These people complicate the usual story of our sexual revolution only because of an awkward bit of timing: their libidinal awakening arrived in the heyday of Victorian England.

The New Yorker

In an awkward bit of timing, the Amazon acquisition comes on the same day a patent the company filed has been revealed for a technology that would block price comparison searches on mobile devices in Amazon stores.

TechCrunch

This is either awkward or perfect timing for the release of the world's most popular soccer video game, FIFA 17, which officially dropped this week.

Vice

"Admittedly, the timing was awkward," Jim Yardley writes in The New York Times.

The New York Times

The timing was awkward.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing a situation with "awkward timing", clearly explain why the timing is problematic. Providing context helps the reader understand the full impact.

Common error

Avoid using "awkward timing" as a vague descriptor. Instead, specify what made the timing awkward and its consequences to enhance clarity.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "awkward timing" functions as a noun phrase, where "awkward" modifies the noun "timing". It typically acts as a subject, object, or complement in a sentence. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, the phrase is grammatically correct.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

95%

Formal & Business

3%

Science

1%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Wiki

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "awkward timing" is a commonly used and grammatically correct expression, as validated by Ludwig AI. It describes situations where the timing of an event is inappropriate or inconvenient. Predominantly found in news and media contexts, it serves to highlight the negative consequences or social discomfort caused by ill-timed events. To use it effectively, provide specific details about why the timing is problematic. Consider alternatives like "inconvenient timing" or "inopportune moment" for variety.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Bad timing

A simpler and more direct way of saying the timing was not ideal.

Poor timing

Similar to "bad timing", suggesting a lack of judgment or foresight.

Inopportune moment

Replaces "timing" with "moment", emphasizing a specific point in time that is unsuitable.

Inconvenient moment

Highlights the trouble or difficulty caused by the specific time.

Unfortunate moment

Similar to "inopportune moment", but focuses on the bad luck associated with the timing.

Inappropriate moment

Focuses on the lack of suitability or appropriateness of the timing.

Untimely moment

Indicates that the event happened at an unsuitable or premature time.

Ill-timed event

Implies that the event was poorly planned, resulting in bad timing.

Unsuitable time

A general expression indicating that the moment is not ideal.

Mistimed event

Highlights that the action occurred at a time which was not ideal.

FAQs

How can I rephrase "awkward timing" in a sentence?

You can replace "awkward timing" with phrases like "inconvenient timing", "bad timing", or "inopportune moment" to convey a similar meaning.

What does "awkward timing" mean?

"Awkward timing" refers to a situation where something happens at an unsuitable, inappropriate, or uncomfortable time, often causing problems or embarrassment.

How to use "awkward timing" in a sentence?

Use "awkward timing" to describe events whose occurrence is not ideal or appropriate. For example: "The announcement of the layoffs during the company picnic was an example of "inconvenient timing"".

Is there a difference between "awkward timing" and "bad timing"?

While both phrases suggest the occurrence of an event at an inopportune moment, "awkward timing" often implies an element of social discomfort or inappropriateness, whereas "bad timing" is a more general expression of poor timing.