What does "inconvenience" mean?

1. (a minor problem) a small problem or trouble that makes something more difficult for you. 2. (to cause trouble) to cause someone a small problem or to make them do extra work.

How do you use "inconvenience"?

Commonly used as an uncountable noun for the general state of trouble, or a countable noun for a specific event. Takes a direct object, usually a person or a group of people.

inconvenience

n. · v.

US //ˌɪnkənˈvinjəns// UK //ɪnkənvˈiːnɪəns// in·con·ve·nience

1 a minor problem (n.)
B2 Upper Intermediate

a small problem or trouble that makes something more difficult for you.

a state or instance of trouble, difficulty, or discomfort. Often used in formal apologies for service disruptions.

Example

The road repairs are a big inconvenience for people driving to work.

Example

The sudden cancellation of the train caused considerable inconvenience to the commuters who had already purchased non-refundable tickets.

Usage

Commonly used as an uncountable noun for the general state of trouble, or a countable noun for a specific event.
- convenience
- benefit
2 to cause trouble (v.)
C1 Advanced Formal

to cause someone a small problem or to make them do extra work.

to cause trouble, discomfort, or extra work for someone. Transitive; typically used in polite or formal contexts.

Example

I hope it doesn't inconvenience you if we move the meeting to tomorrow.

Example

The manager apologised profusely for having to inconvenience the guests by moving them to a different wing of the hotel during the renovation.

Usage

Takes a direct object, usually a person or a group of people.
- assist
- help

Origin

From Middle English inconvenience, from Old French inconvenience (“misfortune, calamity, impropriety”) (compare French inconvenance (“impropriety”) and inconvénient (“inconvenience”)), from Late Latin inconvenientia (“inconsistency, incongruity”).