inopportune for

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "inopportune for" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a situation or timing that is not suitable or convenient for a particular purpose or action. Example: "The rain was inopportune for our outdoor wedding plans, forcing us to move the ceremony indoors."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

17 human-written examples

The timing of the blizzard was especially inopportune for him.

The New York Times

It would be inopportune for them to take a public stance against gun violence.

The Guardian - Opinion

Or even geopolitics: the time would seem inopportune for an international sporting carnival on the Korean peninsula.

The New Yorker

One thing is clear, writer says: her timing could not have been more inopportune, for summer in India has always been known as a season of violence.

The New Yorker

The timing of the Hopwood decision was especially inopportune for Rice, which generally receives about 7,000 applications for a freshman class of about 700.

The New York Times

The timing of the scandal has been inopportune for Mario Draghi, the president of the European Central Bank, raising questions about his supervision of Italian banks when he was governor of the Bank of Italy, the Italian central bank.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

37 human-written examples

The glut of bad news for the economy comes at an inopportune time for president-elect Barack Obama.

Forbes

But its distinctive white shawls remain a potent symbol of the quest for justice in Latin America.Now the Mothers have attracted criticism for very different reasons, and at an inopportune time for Cristina Fernández, Mr Kirchner's widow and successor as president.

The Economist

It is an inopportune time for The Post to stumble.

The New York Times

An inopportune dismissal for the tourists to say the least.

The Guardian - Sport

"This is a very unfortunate and inopportune time," for the trading losses, he said.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "inopportune for", clearly specify the entity or purpose for which the timing is unfavorable. This ensures clarity and avoids ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "inopportune for" in very informal contexts. Opt for simpler alternatives like "bad timing" or "inconvenient" in casual conversations to maintain a natural tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "inopportune for" functions as an adjectival phrase modifying a noun, indicating that something is occurring at an unsuitable or inconvenient time for a specific entity or purpose. As supported by Ludwig AI, it is deemed correct in written English.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

88%

Science

8%

Encyclopedias

4%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "inopportune for" is a grammatically correct and relatively common way to describe something occurring at an unsuitable or inconvenient time. According to Ludwig, it’s deemed as correct and usable in English. Predominantly found in news and media contexts, its function is to convey that the timing presents a disadvantage or problem for a specific entity. When using this phrase, clarity is key: specify who or what is affected by the inopportune timing. Consider alternatives like "ill-timed for" or "unfavorable for" to adjust the tone or formality as needed.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

ill-timed for

Emphasizes the poor timing of an event or situation.

unsuitable for

Focuses on the lack of appropriateness for a specific context or purpose.

inconvenient for

Highlights the trouble or difficulty caused by the timing or situation.

unfavorable for

Suggests a negative impact or disadvantage resulting from the timing or situation.

bad timing for

A more direct and less formal way to express that the timing is not right.

poorly timed for

Similar to 'ill-timed', but can also suggest a lack of planning.

untimely for

Implies that the event or situation happened at an inappropriate or premature time.

a hindrance to

Shifts the focus to the obstacle or impediment created by the situation.

a setback for

Indicates a negative impact on progress or goals.

unfortunate timing for

Highlights the regrettable nature of the timing.

FAQs

How to use "inopportune for" in a sentence?

Use "inopportune for" to describe a time or situation that is unsuitable or inconvenient for something. For example, "The timing of the announcement was "inopportune for" the negotiations."

What can I say instead of "inopportune for"?

You can use alternatives like "ill-timed for", "unsuitable for", or "inconvenient for" depending on the specific context.

Which is correct, "inopportune for" or "inopportune to"?

"Inopportune for" is used to indicate something is unfavorable or badly timed for a specific person or thing. "Inopportune to" is grammatically incorrect. Example: It was "inopportune for" him.

What's the difference between "inopportune for" and "unfortunate for"?

"Inopportune for" refers specifically to timing being unfavorable, while "unfortunate for" describes a situation that is regrettable or unlucky. "Inopportune" focuses on timing, whereas "unfortunate" relates to general adversity.