inopportune time

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "inopportune time" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a moment that is not suitable or convenient for a particular action or event. Example: "She chose to bring up the sensitive topic at an inopportune time, causing discomfort among the guests."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Sports

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

52 human-written examples

Howard's comments arrived at an inopportune time.

The New York Times - Sports

"And it's coming at a really inopportune time".

The New York Times

The protests are hitting Mr. Erdogan at an inopportune time.

The New York Times

It is an inopportune time for The Post to stumble.

The New York Times

The House vote comes at a particularly inopportune time.

The New York Times

The labor dispute comes at an inopportune time.

The New York Times - Sports

This flight of viewers comes at an inopportune time.

The New York Times

But the conflict is an additional drag on the economy at an inopportune time.

The New York Times

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

The New York Times

But the blizzard that hit the East Coast starting Sunday came at an inopportune time.

The New York Times - Arts

Monday's disclosures could not have come at a more inopportune time for Mr. Murdoch.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "inopportune time", consider the specific nuance you want to convey. Is it merely inconvenient, or is it truly detrimental? Choose synonyms accordingly for greater precision.

Common error

While "inopportune time" is generally acceptable, avoid overusing it in highly formal writing. Opt for synonyms like "unfavorable juncture" or "unpropitious moment" to maintain a sophisticated tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "inopportune time" functions as an adjectival phrase modifying a noun, indicating that a specific moment is unsuitable or inconvenient for something to occur. Ludwig AI confirms this usage through numerous examples in varied contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Sports

15%

Wiki

5%

Less common in

Formal & Business

2%

Encyclopedias

1%

Science

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "inopportune time" is a grammatically sound and frequently used phrase that describes an unsuitable or inconvenient moment. Ludwig AI's analysis, along with numerous examples from credible sources like the New York Times and The Guardian, confirms its prevalence, particularly in news and sports contexts. While generally neutral in register, it's essential to consider the specific context and choose synonyms accordingly for greater precision. Remember to avoid overuse in highly formal writing to maintain a sophisticated tone.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

untimely moment

Emphasizes the unfortunate or premature nature of the timing.

ill-timed moment

Similar to "untimely moment", emphasizing the negative consequences of the timing.

unsuitable moment

Highlights the inappropriateness of the timing for a particular action or event.

bad timing

A more casual way of expressing that the time is not right.

poor timing

Similar to "bad timing", but can also imply a misjudgment in choosing the right moment.

awkward moment

Focuses on the discomfort or difficulty caused by the timing.

unfavorable moment

Suggests that the circumstances are not conducive to success or positive outcomes.

inconvenient moment

Highlights the disruption or trouble caused by the timing.

unpropitious moment

A more formal way to express that the timing is unfavorable or unlucky.

difficult time

Focuses more on the problematic or challenging nature of the time period itself.

FAQs

How can I use "inopportune time" in a sentence?

You can use "inopportune time" to describe a moment that is unsuitable or inconvenient for a particular action or event. For example, "The crisis occurred at an "inopportune time", just as the company was launching its new product."

What phrases can I use instead of "inopportune time"?

You can use alternatives like "untimely moment", "bad timing", or "inconvenient moment" depending on the context.

Is it better to say "inopportune time" or "inconvenient time"?

Both ""inopportune time"" and "inconvenient time" are correct, but "inopportune" suggests a more serious lack of suitability, while "inconvenient" implies a lesser disruption.

What's the difference between "inopportune time" and "untimely moment"?

"Inopportune time" suggests a moment that is generally unsuitable, while "untimely moment" implies that the moment was premature or occurred too early, often with negative consequences.