inconvenience
Elementary (A2)
IPA: /ˌɪn.kənˈviː.njəns/
KK: /ɪnˈkɒnvɪniəns/
noun
Definition
A situation or thing that causes trouble or difficulty, making something less easy or comfortable.
Example
The road construction caused a major inconvenience for commuters.
Conversation
I had to cancel our plans because of a small inconvenience at work.
Oh no! I hope everything is okay.
Yeah, it was just a last-minute meeting that came up.
I totally understand; those things can be such an inconvenience sometimes.
Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms
nuisance
bother
hindrance
Antonyms
advantage
benefit
ease
transitive verb
Definition
To cause difficulty or trouble to someone, making things less convenient for them.
Example
The road construction will inconvenience many drivers this week.
Tense Forms
Past: inconvenienced
Past Participle: inconvenienced
Conversation
Did the rain inconvenience your plans for the picnic?
A bit, but we found a nice café instead.
That's good to hear! I hate it when the weather inconveniences our fun.
Root Explanation
Inconvenience → It is formed from "in-" (meaning not) and "convenient" (from Latin "conveniens", meaning suitable or fitting). The word "inconvenience" means not suitable or causing discomfort or trouble.
Memory Tip
Think of 'not' ('in-') being added to 'suitable' ('convenient') — that's why inconvenience means something that is not suitable or causes trouble.
Visually Confused Words
unconvenience
convenience
uninconvenienced
disconvenience
conveniency
unconvenient
consentience