noun
Uncommon
inconvenience
ihn-kuhn-VEE-neerns
Inconvenience (noun) means a problem or difficulty that causes trouble or discomfort. Example: “The road closure was a minor inconvenience for commuters.”
noun
1
A problem or difficulty that causes trouble or discomfort.
"The road closure was a minor inconvenience for commuters."
"We apologise for any inconvenience caused by the delay."
"Having no lift in the building is a real inconvenience for elderly residents."
verb
1
To cause trouble, delay, or discomfort for someone.
"I hope this doesn't inconvenience you too much."
"Sorry to inconvenience you, but could you move your car for a moment?"
"The late train inconvenienced hundreds of people trying to get home."
How to use inconvenience
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishSomething that causes minor trouble or hassle, or the act of causing that trouble.
Common pairings
minor inconvenience
cause inconvenience
apologise for the inconvenience
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Word forms
- Plural
- inconveniences
- Third person singular
- inconveniences
- Past tense
- inconvenienced
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
The road closure was a minor _____ for commuters.
Etymology
From Old French inconvenience, from Late Latin inconvenientia ("inconsistency, incongruity").
Synonyms
View more →
hassle
nuisance
disruption
bother
trouble
troublesomeness
incommodiousness
worriment
discommode
incommode
disoblige
Antonyms
Related words
Rhymes for inconvenience
See all rhymes for inconvenience →Frequently asked questions
What does “inconvenience” mean?
The word “inconvenience” means a problem or difficulty that causes trouble or discomfort. In plain terms, something that causes minor trouble or hassle, or the act of causing that trouble.
How do you pronounce “inconvenience”?
“Inconvenience” is pronounced ihn-kuhn-VEE-neerns (/ɪnkənˈvinjəns/ in IPA).
How do you use “inconvenience” in a sentence?
Here is “inconvenience” used in a sentence: “The road closure was a minor inconvenience for commuters.”
What part of speech is “inconvenience”?
Depending on how it is used, “inconvenience” can be a noun and a verb.
Where does the word “inconvenience” come from?
The word “inconvenience” comes from Late Latin. From Old French inconvenience, from Late Latin inconvenientia ("inconsistency, incongruity").
Is “inconvenience” a common word?
“Inconvenience” is an uncommon word in modern English.
How many meanings does “inconvenience” have?
“Inconvenience” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: a problem or difficulty that causes trouble or discomfort.
What is the difference between inconvenience and problem?
Inconvenience refers specifically to trouble or discomfort caused by something disrupting normal ease or comfort, often minor and temporary, such as a delayed flight. Problem is a broader term that can range from minor annoyances to serious, difficult issues, so an inconvenience is typically a milder kind of problem.
Is inconvenience used in formal apologies?
Yes, inconvenience is common in formal and polite language, such as 'we apologize for the inconvenience,' which softens the acknowledgment of a disruption in customer service or business communication. It sounds more formal and measured than saying 'sorry for the trouble.'
Can inconvenience be used as a verb?
Yes, inconvenience can be used as a verb meaning to cause someone trouble, delay, or discomfort, as in 'I hope this doesn't inconvenience you.' This verb form is common in polite requests and apologies.
