convenience

American  

[kuhn-veen-yuhns] / kənˈvin yəns /

noun

1. the quality of being convenient; suitability.

   Synonyms:

   availability, handiness, utility

2. anything that saves or simplifies work, adds to one's ease or comfort, etc., as an appliance, utensil, or the like.

3. a convenient situation or time.

   at your convenience.

4. advantage or accommodation.

   a shelter for the convenience of travelers.

5. Chiefly British. water closet.

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adjective

1. easy to obtain, use, or reach; made for convenience.

   convenience utensils that can be discarded after use.

convenience British  

/ kənˈviːnɪəns /

noun

1. the state or quality of being suitable or opportune

   the convenience of the hour

2. a convenient time or situation

3. at a time suitable to you

4. formal as soon as possible

5. usefulness, comfort, or facility

6. an object that is particularly useful, esp a labour-saving device

7. euphemistic a lavatory, esp a public one

8. to take advantage of; impose upon

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convenience Idioms  

1. see at one's convenience.

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Etymology

Origin of convenience

First recorded in 1350–1400; Middle English, from Latin convenientia “harmony, agreement,” from convenient-, stem of conveniēns “coming together” ( see convenient) + -ia -ia

Explanation

Even though the real reason you want the newest phone is that it's incredibly cool looking, you might pretend that what interests you is its convenience, or how easy and useful it will be. The noun convenience is a quality of ease or accessibility. Just think of a convenience store, which is arranged to be easy to get in and out of, and sells things you might need to grab on your way home. Some things are referred to as a convenience if the whole reason for their existence is to make life easier in some way, like electricity, indoor plumbing, and microwaveable meals.

Example Sentences

The listing described the abode as a serene spot where “timeless elegance and modern convenience blend seamlessly in the heart of Beverly Hills.”

From MarketWatch • Apr. 21, 2026

This home is poised to break the record because of its privacy, convenience and turnkey condition, Bowen said.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 18, 2026

"People like convenience, ready-made meals and they'll buy a pizza which is on offer and not think 'oh we could do that from scratch'."

From BBC • Apr. 18, 2026

But what AI does present is a choice between authenticity and convenience, ideas and creative sterility.

From Salon • Apr. 17, 2026

They were led then to seats beside Faramir: barrels covered with pelts and high enough above the benches of the Men for their convenience.

From "The Two Towers" by J. R. R. Tolkien

Related Words

• accessibility
• accommodation
• advantage
• assistance
• availability
• benefit
• comfort
• ease
• enjoyment
• satisfaction
• service
• usefulness