inconvenience

UK: ˌɪnkənˈviːniəns | US: ˌɪnkənˈvinjəns

Definition

  1. n. a state of difficulty or trouble causing discomfort or annoyance

  2. vt. to cause trouble or difficulty to someone

Structure
in <not>con <together>veni <come>ence <noun suffix>
Etymology

The word "inconvenience" traces back to Latin roots:

  • "in-" (not) negates the following morpheme.
  • "con-" (together) implies harmony or ease.
  • "veni" (come) suggests arrival or accessibility.
  • "-ence" forms a noun indicating a state or condition.
    Originally, "convenire" (Latin for "to come together") implied suitability or comfort. Adding "in-" flipped the meaning to "not suitable" or "troublesome," evolving into the modern sense of disruption or annoyance.
Examples

  1. The sudden train delay caused great inconvenience to commuters.

  2. I apologize for the inconvenience caused by the construction noise.

  3. Please notify us in advance to avoid any inconvenience.

  4. The broken elevator inconvenienced elderly residents.

  5. Minor inconveniences are inevitable during travel.