Poorly-timed

Describing something that occurs at an unsuitable or inopportune moment, often leading to negative consequences or missed opportunities. It signifies a lack of foresight or awareness regarding the context or circumstances surrounding an event. A poorly-timed action can disrupt plans, offend others, or simply be ineffective. The timing is misjudged, either because of an internal, external, or a combination of both. A keen understanding of situational awareness, planning, and interpersonal skills can reduce this, while an individual with bad timing can have adverse effects on a situation. It implies a lack of sensitivity to timing and consideration of external factors.

Poorly-timed meaning with examples

• His proposal to raise taxes was poorly-timed, coming just as the economy was showing signs of a downturn. The public, already worried about their financial situations, reacted negatively, and the proposal was quickly shelved. The timing failed, causing more damage than good and creating an unnecessary political rift.
• The company's announcement of layoffs was poorly-timed, coinciding with the holiday season and causing widespread panic among employees. Many workers were worried about their livelihood and their ability to provide for their families during a time when spending increases are expected. The ill-timed event was deemed as heartless.
• Her joke about the sensitive topic was poorly-timed, delivered at the funeral of a mutual friend. The somber atmosphere made the humor inappropriate and deeply offensive to the mourners and their family members. The insensitive quip ruined the tone of the solemn event, casting an unpleasant light on the speaker.
• The politician's gaffe was poorly-timed, occurring during a crucial debate about national security. It undermined his credibility and raised serious questions about his judgment and competence. Public opinion turned against the man after he spoke and he found himself fighting a PR battle.
• The launch of the new product was poorly-timed, coinciding with a major competitor's announcement of a similar product at a lower price point. The market was already saturated, causing sales to plummet and jeopardizing the company's investment. The lack of market research caused disaster for the company.