inconvenient time

USAGE SUMMARY

"inconvenient time" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it to refer to a time that is not convenient or suitable for a particular situation. For example, "I'm sorry, but that time is very inconvenient for me."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

That is happening at an especially inconvenient time.

The Economist

The flurry of new subpoenas comes at an inconvenient time for SAC.

The New York Times

But this was an inconvenient time to make such an argument.

The New York Times

Mr. Singer, this is a very inconvenient time for me to have called you.

The New Yorker

Pens, pencils, and whiteout all vanished at the same inconvenient time.

The New Yorker

"In a banal setting at an inconvenient time, would beauty transcend?," the story wondered.

The Washington Post

Nothing is more aggravating than having the tractor run out of fuel at the most inconvenient time.

Cornell University

Still, the settlement comes at an inconvenient time for Finra, which is seeking to expand its regulatory authority.

The New York Times

That way if it's an inconvenient time to talk, you can still respond in a text message.

The New York Times

SFpark, he says, "de-emphasizes inconvenient time limits and instead uses smart pricing" to achieve those targets.

The New York Times - Tech

The Zoran statement suggests that the issues are temporary but they come at the most inconvenient time.

The Guardian - Business

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When scheduling meetings or appointments, always ask participants for their preferred times to avoid imposing an "inconvenient time" on them.

Common error

In formal or professional writing, avoid overuse of the phrase "inconvenient time". Opt for more sophisticated alternatives such as "inopportune moment" or "untimely occasion" to maintain a professional tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "inconvenient time" functions primarily as an adjective-noun construction describing a period that is unsuitable or poorly timed. Ludwig examples show its use across various contexts to express the inappropriateness of a particular moment.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

69%

Science

19%

Wiki

6%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "inconvenient time" is a common and versatile way to describe a period that is unsuitable or poorly timed. As shown by Ludwig, it's used across diverse contexts, from news reports to scientific articles, primarily to express difficulty or inappropriateness. While generally neutral in register, it's wise to consider more formal alternatives like "inopportune moment" in professional settings. Remember to avoid overusing this phrase, and always use "at an "inconvenient time"".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

inopportune moment

Replaces "time" with "moment", emphasizing a specific point in time that is unsuitable.

bad timing

A more concise expression focusing on the poor timing of an event.

unsuitable hour

Substitutes "time" with "hour", specifying a particular hour that is not appropriate.

difficult moment

Emphasizes the difficulty associated with the time.

awkward period

Replaces "inconvenient" with "awkward" and "time" with "period", suggesting a difficult phase.

untimely occasion

Uses "untimely" to convey inappropriateness and "occasion" to indicate a specific event or instance.

unpropitious time

A more formal and less common way to say "inconvenient time".

poor moment

Highlights that the instant is of bad quality.

inappropriate point

Highlights the instant is not appropriate.

unfavorable circumstance

Refers to external situations and not a specific time.

FAQs

How can I use "inconvenient time" in a sentence?

You can use "inconvenient time" to describe a moment that is not suitable or appropriate for something. For example, "This is a very "inconvenient time" for me to have this conversation."

What can I say instead of "inconvenient time"?

Alternatives to "inconvenient time" include "inopportune moment", "awkward period", or "bad timing" depending on the specific context.

Is it correct to say "at an inconvenient time" or "in a inconvenient time"?

The correct phrasing is "at an "inconvenient time"", as "inconvenient" starts with a vowel sound, requiring the indefinite article "an" and needs the preposition "at".

What's the difference between "inconvenient time" and "difficult time"?

"Inconvenient time" refers specifically to a moment that is unsuitable or poorly timed, while "difficult time" refers to a period marked by challenges or hardships. They are not interchangeable; the best option is highly context-dependent.