untimely finish

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "untimely finish" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a conclusion or ending that occurs at an inappropriate or inconvenient time. Example: "The project faced an untimely finish due to unforeseen circumstances that delayed its completion."

✓ Grammatically correct

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

60 human-written examples

At Peuerbach's untimely death he had finished only the first six (of 13) books; Regiomontanus not only completed the work (c. 1462), published in 1496 as Epytoma…in Almagestum Ptolomei, but he also raised it to new critical heights.

Encyclopedia Britannica

This was close to being finished before Smith's untimely death and although events cast a sombre pall over tracks like 'Strung Out Again', it is a lushly beautiful work.

The Guardian

The Giants also recorded 95 more yards of offense than San Francisco but were hurt by untimely mistakes and an inability to finish long drives in the first half.

The New York Times

This is a white paper (PDF) finished by his colleagues after his untimely passing.

Forbes

As the world grieves over the incomparable loss of comic genius Robin Williams, some people are hoping that his untimely death won't mean that he's finished provoking laughs.

Huffington Post

I needed another verse to finish everything off and that's when his untimely death happened".

Vice

The usual hazards of a stage race – illness, a crash or an untimely puncture – can intervene at any point between now and Sunday's finish on Whitehall but there are now increasingly few opportunities for Martin's Garmin-Sharp team-mate Jack Bauer and the Swiss Martin Elmiger to dislodge Wiggins from the race leader's yellow jersey.

The Guardian - Sport

"We had a turning point two weeks ago [against West Ham] and then, after one game, it seemed everything had changed," said Benítez, referring to the reaction to Saturday's untimely defeat at Southampton that jeopardised their pursuit of a top-four finish.

The Guardian - Sport

"Finishing the job is the task that Steve's untimely passing has left to all of us".

Science Magazine

Rather than improving the smokers' health, the supplement increased their risk of untimely death so much so that the trial was halted before it was finished.

The Economist

Last year, the Falcons finished second in league to Burroughs with an 8-2-4 record, with four untimely ties versus Pasadena and Muir highs, while posting a 19-4-7 19-4-7 19-4-7d and falling in the secoverallnd of the Division III playoffs.

Los Angeles Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "untimely finish", ensure that the context clearly indicates what is being finished and why the timing is problematic. For example, "The project faced an "untimely finish" due to unforeseen circumstances."

Common error

Avoid using "untimely finish" when you actually mean the project was never completed. "Untimely" implies it finished, but at a bad time, not that it was abandoned.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "untimely finish" functions as a noun phrase, where "untimely" modifies "finish". Ludwig AI indicates it is correct and usable in written English. It describes a conclusion or ending that happened at an inconvenient time.

Expression frequency: Missing

Frequent in

News & Media

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Science

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Formal & Business

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Less common in

Academia

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Encyclopedias

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Reference

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Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "untimely finish" is grammatically correct and serves to describe an ending or completion that happens at an inappropriate or inconvenient time. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness. While examples are currently missing, its usage is generally suitable for neutral to formal contexts. Semantically related alternatives include "premature ending" and "ill-timed conclusion". When employing the phrase, ensure the context clearly identifies what has finished and why its timing is problematic.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

premature ending

Focuses on the earliness of the ending.

inopportune completion

Highlights the lack of suitability of the timing.

ill-timed conclusion

Emphasizes the poor timing of the conclusion.

badly timed finish

Uses simpler language to convey poor timing.

poorly timed completion

Similar to 'badly timed finish' but slightly more formal.

mistimed conclusion

Highlights that the timing was off.

untoward termination

Uses a more formal and less common word for 'ending'.

inconvenient ending

Focuses on the trouble caused by the timing.

untimely cessation

Uses 'cessation' to mean stopping, which is more formal.

ill-fated finish

Implies a negative outcome due to the timing.

FAQs

How can I use "untimely finish" in a sentence?

You can use "untimely finish" to describe a situation where something concludes or ends at an inappropriate or inconvenient moment. For example: "The negotiations came to an "untimely finish" due to the sudden departure of the mediator."

What are some alternatives to "untimely finish"?

You can use alternatives like "premature ending", "ill-timed conclusion", or "inopportune completion", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

What does "untimely" specifically imply in the phrase "untimely finish"?

"Untimely" suggests that the finish occurred at an inconvenient, inappropriate, or unfortunate time, often implying negative consequences or disruption.

Is "untimely finish" formal or informal language?

"Untimely finish" is generally considered neutral to formal language, suitable for professional or news contexts but potentially less common in very informal conversation.