ungodly hour

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "ungodly hour" is correct and usable in written English.
It is used to describe a time of day that is socially considered to be inappropriate or too early or late. For example, "I was awoken from my sleep at the ungodly hour of 3am by a loud car alarm."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

John Edwards arrived at an equally ungodly hour.

The Economist

The principal, Mary Laurie, was there, too, at this ungodly hour, to see off the students.

The New Yorker

How else to explain the 45-minute wait at this ungodly hour?

The New York Times - Travel

Un email "Ungodly hour greeting ('morning' doesn't really cover it)," says Ian Copestake.

The Guardian - Sport

But they had also, even at that ungodly hour, gone to extraordinary lengths to get into character.

Independent

The coveted talk-show slot at the ungodly hour of 11.35pm has always been an item of national conversation.

Independent

First it was drug testers turning up at Andy Murray's house at some ungodly hour, now it's 30 Percy Pigs.

Independent

Only his tour begins at 2 a.m., an ungodly hour unless you are clubbing, and ends at dawn's early light.

The New York Times

Pretty much every weekend, he would call them up at some ungodly hour brimming with a plan.

The New York Times

How so? A. I met with "The Color Purple" people at some ungodly hour of the morning.

The New York Times

Calling up ALL of my Ghanaian friends at an ungodly hour to remind them who is boss.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "ungodly hour" to add emphasis or a touch of humor when describing an inconveniently early or late time. It implies that the time is so unusual that it's almost unnatural.

Common error

Avoid using "ungodly hour" in very formal or serious contexts, as it can be perceived as slightly informal or humorous. Choose a more neutral phrase like "inconvenient time" or "unscheduled hour" for professional communications.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "ungodly hour" functions as an adjective phrase modifying the noun "hour". It indicates a time that is considered extremely inconvenient, inappropriate, or unusual. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is usable and correct in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "ungodly hour" is a common and correct way to describe an extremely inconvenient or unusual time. Ludwig AI confirms its usability, and it frequently appears in news and media contexts. While generally neutral in register, it's best to avoid in highly formal or serious settings. Consider alternatives like "inconvenient time" for professional communications. Use "ungodly hour" to add a touch of emphasis or humor to your writing when referring to a time that feels almost unnaturally early or late.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

ungodly time

Changes "hour" to "time" while maintaining the core meaning.

ridiculous hour

Replaces "ungodly" with a more lighthearted descriptor of the hour.

inappropriate hour

Focuses on the unsuitability of the time.

unholy hour

Similar to "ungodly" but with a different religious connotation.

wee hours

Indicates the very early hours of the morning, typically after midnight.

absurd hour

Highlights the illogical or unreasonable nature of the timing.

ludicrous hour

Emphasizes the ridiculousness of the time.

crack of dawn

Specifically refers to the very early morning.

the middle of the night

Emphasizes the time is during the night.

late at night

General term for something happening late.

FAQs

How can I use "ungodly hour" in a sentence?

You can use "ungodly hour" to describe an inconveniently early or late time, for example, "The meeting was scheduled for the "ungodly hour" of 6 a.m." or "Why are you calling me at this "ungodly hour"?"

What's a less informal alternative to "ungodly hour"?

For more formal situations, consider using phrases like "inconvenient time", "unscheduled hour", or "unreasonable hour" as alternatives to "ungodly hour".

Is it appropriate to use "ungodly hour" in professional writing?

While "ungodly hour" is widely understood, it may be too informal for certain professional contexts. Assess your audience and the overall tone of your writing before using it. Alternatives like "inconvenient time" may be more suitable.

What does "ungodly hour" typically imply?

"Ungodly hour" suggests that the time is not only inconvenient but also surprisingly or unusually early or late. It's often used to express mild annoyance or humor about the timing.