the word "ungodly" is a transparent compound formed within english. its first element, the negative prefix "un-", derives from proto-germanic un-, a common negation marker. the second element, "godly", originates from old english "godlic", meaning "divine, pious", itself from "god" (deity) and the suffix "-lic" (having the form or character of). the literal sense of "not godly, impious" dates to old english. the modern informal meaning, describing something shockingly excessive or unreasonable (as in "an ungodly hour"), is a figurative extension from the late 16th century, implying behavior or circumstances so extreme they seem contrary to divine order or propriety.

Structure: un (not) + godly (like a god, pious) - un: a prefix of germanic origin, meaning "not" or "the opposite of". it functions as a negative particle. - godly: an adjective of old english origin, from "godlic" (godlike, pious). it functions as the base word describing divine quality or devoutness.