inopportune timing

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "inopportune 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 inconvenient. Example: "The announcement of the layoffs came at an inopportune timing, just before the holiday season."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

5 human-written examples

Nice marriage; inopportune timing.

The New York Times - Magazine

But with predictions that the holiday season will be one of the grimmest in recent years, particularly when it comes to the sale of luxury items, questions about the inopportune timing of the mall's opening are probably inevitable, especially since the stores can't be seen from the street.

The New York Times

A statement from Chief Executive Ian Russell cited inopportune "timing and scale of capital investments required".

Forbes

Then, in 2008, Lee's father got laid off from his job as a high-end jeweler— inopportune timing for a man with a son at New York University and a daughter in her junior year at TCNJ. Lee says she and her brother quickly got part-time jobs to help pay for their college expenses, but she still graduated in 2009 with about $80,000 in student loan debt.

Forbes

Secondary reproduction has been explained as the adaptive deferral of reproductive potential under circumstances in which some fraction of reproductive success would otherwise have been lost (due, for example, to inopportune timing).

BMC Ecology

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

55 human-written examples

In a recent interview, Ratan Tata, the group's chairman, admitted that the company bought JLR at an "inopportune time".So were these acquisitions fundamentally sound decisions cursed by poor timing?

The Economist

Committed penalties at inopportune times.

The New York Times

It strikes at inopportune times.

The Guardian - Opinion

Many were abandoned at an inopportune time.

The New York Times

"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

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "inopportune timing", consider the specific nuance you want to convey. It's best suited for formal contexts where you want to emphasize the inappropriateness or inconvenience of the timing.

Common error

Avoid using "inopportune timing" in casual conversations or informal writing. Simpler alternatives like "bad timing" or "poorly timed" are often more appropriate.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "inopportune timing" functions primarily as a noun phrase acting as a subject or object within a sentence. It describes the quality of a particular moment or period in relation to its suitability for an event, activity, or decision. Ludwig AI confirms the correctness and usability of this phrase.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Science

20%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Encyclopedias

2%

Reference

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "inopportune timing" is a grammatically sound and usable expression, although somewhat rare. As Ludwig AI states, it's employed to denote an event's occurrence at an unsuitable or inconvenient moment. Predominantly featured in news and media contexts, it carries a neutral to formal register. For more informal situations, consider simpler alternatives such as ""bad timing"" or ""poorly timed"". While grammatically correct, its formality level makes it less suitable for everyday conversation. Understanding its contexts and connotations can help you use it effectively.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

poorly timed

This alternative is more direct and emphasizes the negative aspect of the timing.

bad timing

This alternative is simpler and more informal than "inopportune timing".

unfortunate timing

This alternative highlights the unlucky aspect of the timing.

ill-timed

This alternative is concise and implies that the timing was inappropriate.

untimely moment

This alternative shifts the focus to a specific moment and its unsuitability.

awkward timing

This alternative emphasizes the uncomfortable or embarrassing nature of the timing.

unfavorable timing

This alternative suggests that the timing is not conducive to success.

inconvenient timing

This alternative focuses on the disruptive aspect of the timing.

unsuitable moment

This alternative emphasizes the unsuitability of the moment in particular.

a time most unpropitious

This alternative is more formal and emphasizes the unluckiness associated with the timing.

FAQs

What does "inopportune timing" mean?

The phrase "inopportune timing" refers to a moment or period where the circumstances are particularly unsuitable or inconvenient for something to occur.

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

You might say, "The announcement of the budget cuts came at an "inopportune timing", just before the elections.".

What are some alternatives to "inopportune timing"?

You can use alternatives like "bad timing", "poorly timed", or "unfortunate timing" depending on the context.

Is "inopportune timing" formal or informal?

"Inopportune timing" is generally considered a more formal expression. In informal settings, "bad timing" or "poor timing" are more suitable.