AskDefine | Define convenience

Dictionary Definition



1 the state of being suitable or opportune; "chairs arranged for his own convenience"
2 the quality of being useful and convenient; "they offered the convenience of an installment plan" [ant: inconvenience]
3 a toilet that is available to the public [syn: public toilet, comfort station, public convenience, public lavatory, restroom, toilet facility, wash room]
4 a device that is very useful for a particular job [syn: appliance, contraption, contrivance, gadget, gizmo, gismo, widget]

User Contributed Dictionary




  1. the quality of being suitable, useful or convenient
  2. anything that makes for an easier life
  3. a convenient time, especially in the phrase at one's convenience
  4. In the context of "mostly|UK": a public toilet


the quality of being suitable, useful or convenient
anything that makes for an easier life
a convenient time, especially in the phrase at one's convenience
a public toilet

Extensive Definition

Convenience is anything that is intended to save a time, energy or frustration. A convenience store at a petrol station, for example, sells items that have nothing to do with gasoline/petrol, but it saves the consumer from having to go to a grocery store. "Convenience" is a very relative term and its meaning tends to change over time. What was once a convenience (eg. an automobile) is today regarded as a normal part of life. Likewise today's luxuries may be perceived in the same way in the future.
Some have criticised Western culture, particularly American culture, for its reliance on such conveniences. The Dead Kennedys released an album called Give Me Convenience or Give Me Death, a pun on Patrick Henry's famous quote and speech "Give me liberty or give me death". The Amish (such as the Pennsylvania Dutch) shun all modern conveniences, including electricity.
Supposed "conveniences" also sometimes turn out to be a nuisance, including personal computers (can be difficult to use, though this is improving gradually) and mobile phones (with annoying rings and conversations in what would or should be a quiet place). Conveniences also cost money to fix when they break down, and may cause much greater costs if something else that depends on them cannot take place. On the other hand, conveniences such as direct deposit can save everyone money, though this may or may not be passed along to the consumer.

See also

convenience in Danish: Convenience (forbruger)

Synonyms, Antonyms and Related Words

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