Inconvenience: meaning, definitions and examples

Use this when referring to something that causes minor problems or makes tasks slightly harder but is not overly serious. It's often used formally.

• I'm sorry for any inconvenience this may have caused
• The construction might cause some inconvenience to pedestrians

Use this when referring to problems or difficulties that are more serious and may require a solution. It can also refer to being in a problematic situation.

• We're having trouble with our internet connection
• He got into trouble for breaking the rules

This word is appropriate when describing something that is hard to do or understand. The issue it describes is generally more serious than an inconvenience.

• She had difficulty understanding the math problem
• The project proved to be more difficult than we expected

Use this when referring to a feeling of slight pain or physical unease, often due to external conditions. It can also refer to emotional unease.

• He experienced discomfort after sitting in the same position for hours
• Her comments about my work caused me some discomfort

This word is used for something or someone that causes minor annoyance or irritation. It often suggests a repetitive annoyance.

• The loud music next door is a real nuisance
• Dealing with spam emails is such a nuisance

Used when something causes minor trouble or difficulty, usually not serious.

• I'm sorry for the inconvenience caused by the delay
• Moving the meeting time may cause an inconvenience for some participants

Used when something causes physical or emotional unease, often of a more serious or prolonged nature.

• The tight shoes left him in discomfort all day
• She felt discomfort during the long and boring meeting

Used to describe a feeling of anxiety or worry, often without a clear reason.

• There was a sense of unease in the room after the announcement
• She couldn't shake off her unease about the upcoming exam

Used to describe uncomfortable or clumsy situations, often of a social nature.

• There was a lot of awkwardness at the party because no one knew each other
• He felt awkwardness when he couldn't remember her name