inconvenience

USAGE SUMMARY

The word "inconvenience" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you want to refer to a minor or temporary setback or problem. For example, "I apologize for the inconvenience caused by the construction outside of our office."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"East Coast is particularly sorry, too, for the inconvenience to its customers as a result on what we know is an already very busy travel day immediately following the Christmas break.

The Guardian - Business

He added that the airline regretted any inconvenience to passengers.

The Guardian - Money

I began reading the Guardian in the mid 60's at university in Leeds and even at great distance and at times great inconvenience I continued to read the Guardian to this day.

The Guardian

Facts are a major inconvenience in that time lull between the polls closing and a result being declared.

The Guardian

But, on this occasion, EE has satisfactorily reinstated the old number, apologised and agreed to make you a payment as a gesture of goodwill to make up for the inconvenience.

The Guardian - Money

"While this group made a quick sale, legitimate businesses and hauliers suffered greatly with property stolen, deliveries cancelled, excess payments on insurance and not to mention the inconvenience to their customers," he said.

The Guardian

This has done little to mollify observers angry at a business that seems to treat tax as an optional inconvenience, and whose first response to the negative publicity was cut paid lunchbreaks, maternity benefits and sick leave from its already low-paid workforce.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

"We apologise for the inconvenience caused but the work is essential to improve the network and maintain reliable services for the millions of passengers who travel on the west coast mainline every year".

The Guardian

I was willing to put my life on the line in the second world war, so putting my body on the line here is a small inconvenience.

The Guardian - Opinion

"But to change my account name without informing me – and to choose which name! It's a massive inconvenience and I'll now be switching my Marsack account out of there".

The Guardian - Money

This has had a major impact on our passengers and we are very sorry for the inconvenience caused.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When apologizing for a mistake, use "inconvenience" to acknowledge the trouble caused to someone.

Common error

Avoid relying solely on "inconvenience" in apologies; consider the specific impact and use stronger terms if the situation warrants it. For example, use "damage", "distress", or "disappointment" if appropriate.

Linguistic Context

The word "inconvenience" primarily functions as a noun, referring to something that causes trouble, difficulty, or annoyance. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is a grammatically correct term, widely accepted in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Formal & Business

25%

Science

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Wiki

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The word "inconvenience" is a common and grammatically sound term, as validated by Ludwig AI, primarily used as a noun to describe something that causes trouble or annoyance. Its usage spans various contexts, from formal business communications to news reports, exhibiting a neutral register. When using "inconvenience", consider alternatives like "trouble", "nuisance", or "hassle" to add variety to your writing. Remember to tailor your language to the specific impact, avoiding overuse in formal apologies if stronger terms are more appropriate. Overall, a clear understanding of its nuances ensures effective and appropriate communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

trouble

A more general term referring to difficulty or problems.

nuisance

Implies something annoying or bothersome.

hassle

Suggests a situation that is irritating and time-consuming.

drawback

Refers to a disadvantage or negative aspect.

difficulty

A broad term indicating a problem or challenge.

complication

Implies something that makes a situation more complex or difficult.

problem

A general term indicating something that needs to be resolved.

setback

Refers to a temporary delay or obstacle.

disruption

Indicates an interruption or disturbance to a process or event.

annoyance

Highlights the feeling of being bothered or irritated.

FAQs

How to use "inconvenience" in a sentence?

You can use "inconvenience" to refer to something that causes trouble or difficulty. For example, "We apologize for any "inconvenience" caused by the delay".

What can I say instead of "inconvenience"?

You can use alternatives like "trouble", "nuisance", or "hassle" depending on the context.

Which is correct, "inconvenience" or "inconveniency"?

"Inconvenience" is the correct and standard noun. "Inconveniency" is generally considered nonstandard.

What's the difference between "inconvenience" and "difficulty"?

"Inconvenience" refers to something causing minor trouble or annoyance, while "difficulty" suggests a more significant problem or challenge.