What does discommode mean?
To "discommode" someone is to inconvenience them — to cause them trouble, disruption, or unwanted effort. The verb is distinctly formal and carries a slightly old-fashioned, even courtly flavor: it tends to surface in polite apologies ("I hate to discommode you..."), official notices, and ironic or humorous writing rather than everyday conversation. Its structure mirrors its meaning: the negative prefix "dis-" attached to "commode," from Latin "commodus," meaning suitable or convenient, so the word literally means to make things unsuitable or inconvenient for a person. Because it names an act done to someone rather than a feeling, it usually takes a person as its object — trains discommute passengers, building works discommode residents. Though never common, it remains a precise and elegant alternative to blunter words like "bother" or "put out", and knowing it signals a careful, considerate command of English.
verbTo cause someone inconvenience or trouble; to put a person out in some way.
- To inconvenience or trouble someone; to put a person out.
"I'm sorry to discommode you, but could we move the meeting to Thursday?"
"Forgive me for discommoding you at such short notice."
"The roadworks discommoded commuters for nearly three weeks."
It sounds like something a Victorian landlady would apologize for doing — and that's exactly the register it still carries.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Etymology of discommode
"Discommode" was formed in the 17th century by adding the negative prefix "dis-" to "commode", which derives from Latin "commodus" — "suitable, convenient, agreeable" (from "com-", together, and "modus", measure). It therefore shares its root with "accommodate", "commodious", and "commodity". The word has always meant to deprive someone of convenience, and it entered English during a period when many Latinate verbs of politeness were being coined.
How discommode is actually used
Formal and somewhat old-fashioned in tone; often used apologetically or ironically. Rarely heard in casual speech, where "inconvenience" or "bother" would be preferred.
Easily confused with discommode
"Discompose" means to make someone unsettled or agitated emotionally, while "discommode" means merely to inconvenience them.
"Discomfort" is chiefly a noun (or rare verb) meaning mild pain or unease, whereas "discommode" is a verb meaning to cause inconvenience.