Inconvenience: meaning, definitions and examples

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inconvenience

[ˌɪnkənˈviːnjəns ]

Definitions

^{Context #1 | Noun}

causing trouble

Something that causes trouble, difficulty, or discomfort. It is an inconvenience when things do not go as planned or when something unexpected happens.

Synonyms

difficulty, discomfort, nuisance, trouble.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
inconvenience	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
trouble	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
difficulty	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
discomfort	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
nuisance	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

Examples of usage

It was an inconvenience that the flight was delayed.
Please accept our apologies for any inconvenience caused.
She experienced inconveniences during her trip due to the bad weather.

^{Context #2 | Noun}

lack of comfort

The state of not being comfortable or at ease. It refers to a situation where one might feel bothered or inconvenienced.

Synonyms

awkwardness, discomfort, unease.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
inconvenience	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
discomfort	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
unease	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
awkwardness	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

Examples of usage

The old chair provided little comfort and much inconvenience.
She preferred to stay at home rather than face the inconveniences of traveling.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

The word comes from the Latin 'inconveniens', which means 'not suitable or fitting'.
It has been used in English since the late 15th century to describe things that cause trouble or difficulty.

Psychology

Experiencing inconveniences can lead to increased stress and frustration, impacting overall well-being.
Studies show that small inconveniences, like delays or minor mistakes, can affect our patience and mood for hours.

Everyday Life

Inconveniences are common in daily routines, like traffic jams or forgetting your wallet at home.
People often try to manage inconveniences through planning, such as leaving early to avoid traffic.

Literature

Authors frequently explore how inconveniences affect character relationships and development in narrative arcs.
In classical literature, minor inconveniences often serve as catalysts for major plot developments.

Pop Culture

Inconvenience is a popular theme in comedy films, often leading to humorous situations and character growth.
Many modern cartoons depict characters facing small inconveniences that lead to big adventures or lessons.

Translations

Translations of the word "inconvenience" in other languages:

🇵🇹 inconveniência

🇮🇳 असुविधा

🇩🇪 Unannehmlichkeit

🇮🇩 ketidaknyamanan

🇺🇦 незручність

🇵🇱 niedogodność

🇯🇵 不便

🇫🇷 inconvénient

🇪🇸 inconveniencia

🇹🇷 rahatsızlık

🇰🇷 불편

🇸🇦 إزعاج

🇨🇿 nepříjemnost

🇸🇰 nepríjemnosť

🇨🇳 不便

🇸🇮 neprijetnost

🇮🇸 óþægindi

🇰🇿 қолайсыздық

🇬🇪 უხერხულობა

🇦🇿 narahatlıq

🇲🇽 inconveniencia

Word Frequency Rank

Position #7,883 indicates this is an advanced-level word. While not essential for basic communication, it will enhance your ability to understand and create more nuanced content.

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7880 admissions
7881 repairing
7882 advertised
7883 inconvenience
7884 tires
7885 diagnosed
7886 dissolve
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