mistime: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C1Formal/Neutral
Quick answer
What does “mistime” mean?
To do or say something at an unsuitable or inappropriate moment.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
To do or say something at an unsuitable or inappropriate moment.
To perform an action, deliver a remark, or make a decision at a time that proves to be poorly chosen, often resulting in reduced effectiveness, social awkwardness, or failure.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant difference in meaning or usage. Both varieties use the verb.
Connotations
Neutral-negative, implying a failure of temporal judgment.
Frequency
Slightly higher frequency in UK sports commentary, but overall rare in both varieties.
Grammar
How to Use “mistime” in a Sentence
[Subject] mistimes [Direct Object][Subject] mistimes [Direct Object] [Adjunct of Time/Result]Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “mistime” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- The striker mistimed his volley and sent the ball over the bar.
- She mistimed her resignation, leaving just before the annual bonus was paid.
American English
- The quarterback mistimed the throw, resulting in an interception.
- They mistimed the stock sale and missed the peak of the market.
adverb
British English
- Not applicable.
American English
- Not applicable.
adjective
British English
- Not applicable.
American English
- Not applicable.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
'Mistiming the product launch during the recession cost the company dearly.'
Academic
'The researcher mistimed the application of the stimulus, invalidating the trial's results.'
Everyday
'I completely mistimed my joke; everyone was still talking about the sad news.'
Technical
'The goalkeeper mistimed his dive, and the ball sailed into the net.'
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “mistime”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “mistime”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “mistime”
- Confusing with 'mis-time' (hyphenated form is archaic). Using as a noun (e.g., 'a mistime'); the noun is 'mistiming'. Incorrect: 'He made a mistime.' Correct: 'He was guilty of a mistiming.'
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, but it specifically implies that the poor timing had negative consequences or reduced effectiveness. It's more than just being early or late; it's about poor judgment of the opportune moment.
Yes, the noun is 'mistiming' (e.g., 'a fatal mistiming'). The form 'mistime' is not used as a noun.
It is neutral-to-formal. In casual speech, people might say 'get the timing wrong' or 'time it badly' more often.
It can, but it's more often used for dynamic, split-second actions (sports, jokes, reactions) or strategic decisions (launches, announcements). For simple diary errors, 'schedule incorrectly' or 'double-book' is more common.
To do or say something at an unsuitable or inappropriate moment.
Mistime: in British English it is pronounced /ˌmɪsˈtaɪm/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˌmɪsˈtaɪm/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “to have a tin ear for timing”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think: MIS + TIME = getting the TIME wrong. Imagine a comedian telling a joke (MIS) and looking at their watch (TIME) at the wrong moment, getting only silence.
Conceptual Metaphor
TIMING IS A PRECISE TOOL / TIMING IS A DANCE; to mistime is to use the tool clumsily or to step on your partner's feet.
Practice
Quiz
In which context is 'mistime' LEAST likely to be used?