inconvenient

adjective

in·​con·​ve·​nient ˌin-kən-ˈvē-nyənt How to pronounce inconvenient (audio)
Synonyms of inconvenientnext
: not convenient especially in giving trouble or annoyance : inopportune
an inconvenient time
inconveniently adverb

Synonyms of inconvenient

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Examples of inconvenient in a Sentence

The restaurant is in an inconvenient location. the unexpected visitors showed up at an inconvenient time
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Sometimes birds nest in inconvenient spots, though, like flower pots, planters, and hanging baskets. — Brandee Gruener, Southern Living, 29 June 2026 But even the most self-evident rules grew inconvenient, and in these cases the women knew how to make exemptions for themselves. — Danielle Parker, CBS News, 30 June 2026 Poor planning or rushing decisions can lead to costly and inconvenient design mistakes. — Sarah Lyon, The Spruce, 24 June 2026 And that became mighty inconvenient in the seventh inning, when shortstop Willy Adames swung through a pitch, grimaced with lower back pain and made a tapping-out gesture to the dugout. — Andrew Baggarly, New York Times, 29 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for inconvenient

Word History

Etymology

Middle English, incongruous, harmful, from Anglo-French, from Latin inconvenient-, inconveniens, from in- + convenient-, conveniens convenient

First Known Use

1616, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of inconvenient was in 1616

Rhymes for inconvenient

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Browse Nearby Words

inconveniency
inconvenient
inconversable
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Inconvenient.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/inconvenient. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.

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Kids Definition

inconvenient

adjective
in·​con·​ve·​nient ˌin-kən-ˈvē-nyənt How to pronounce inconvenient (audio)
: not convenient : causing difficulty, discomfort, or annoyance
an inconvenient delay
inconveniently adverb

More from Merriam-Webster on inconvenient

Nglish: Translation of inconvenient for Spanish Speakers

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