inconveniency

The sudden power outage caused a major inconveniency for the family.

Definition

1. Noun (countable or uncountable):
   • A state or condition of being troublesome or awkward: "inconveniency" refers to something that causes difficulty, discomfort, or lack of ease. It is a synonym for "inconvenience" and is often used in formal or older texts.
   • A source of trouble or annoyance: It can describe a specific event, situation, or object that creates bother or disruption.

Usage Examples

• As an uncountable noun (state of being inconvenient):
  • The constant noise from the construction site caused great inconveniency to the residents. (The noise created significant trouble and discomfort.)
• As a countable noun (a specific trouble):
  • The broken elevator was an inconveniency for those living on the top floor. (The broken elevator was a specific source of difficulty.)

Advanced Usage

• Inconveniency is an older or less common variant of "inconvenience." It appears more frequently in historical or literary contexts, such as 18th- or 19th-century writing. Modern usage overwhelmingly prefers "inconvenience."
  • He apologized for the inconveniency his late arrival had caused. (He apologized for the trouble his lateness created.)
• "To put someone to inconveniency": an archaic phrase meaning to cause trouble for someone.
  • I hope I am not putting you to any great inconveniency. (I hope I am not causing you much trouble.)

Variants and Related Words

• Inconvenience (n): the standard modern spelling and most common form of this word.
  • The delay was a minor inconvenience. (The delay was a small trouble.)
• Inconvenient (adj): causing trouble or difficulty.
  • The meeting time was inconvenient for many people. (The meeting time was awkward or troublesome.)
• Inconveniently (adv): in a manner that causes trouble.
  • The store is inconveniently located far from the bus stop. (The store's location makes it difficult to reach.)
• Convenience (n): the opposite of inconvenience; a state of ease or suitability.
  • The hotel offers many conveniences for guests. (The hotel provides things that make guests comfortable.)

Synonyms

• Trouble: difficulty or bother.
  • The broken printer caused a lot of trouble. (The printer created difficulty.)
• Bother: something that causes annoyance.
  • The paperwork was a real bother. (The paperwork was annoying.)
• Difficulty: a state of being hard to deal with.
  • The lack of parking added to the difficulty of visiting the area. (The parking shortage made visiting harder.)
• Annoyance: a mild irritation.
  • The constant phone calls were an annoyance. (The calls were irritating.)

Related Idioms

• "To put someone out": to cause inconvenience or trouble for someone.
  • I don't want to put you out by asking for a ride. (I don't want to cause you trouble by requesting a lift.)
• "A necessary evil": something unpleasant that must be accepted.
  • Waiting in line is a necessary evil of grocery shopping. (Waiting is an unavoidable inconvenience.)