What does incommode mean?
To incommode someone is to cause that person inconvenience, trouble, or difficulty, especially by interfering with their plans, time, space, or comfort. The verb is more formal than the everyday “inconvenience” and often appears in questions such as “Would that incommode you?” or “I hope I am not incommoding you.” Its tone can be deferential or distinctly British, particularly when someone apologizes for making a request. Incommoding may involve crowding someone, disrupting a journey, taking up a parking space, or simply making a task harder to perform. The word is related to “commodity,” “commodious,” and “inconvenient,” all of which reflect the idea of convenience or suitability. Although not obsolete, incommode belongs more readily to formal prose, literary dialogue, and courteous speech than to casual conversation. For most everyday situations, “inconvenience” is the simpler and more natural choice.
verbTo cause inconvenience or difficulty to someone, especially by taking up their space, time, or resources.
- To cause inconvenience or difficulty to someone.
"Would it incommode you if the meeting were moved to Friday afternoon?"
"Heavy traffic incommoded the emergency vehicles for most of the morning."
"I would not wish to incommode the staff by arriving so late, but I have been delayed."
Say “Would this incommode you?” and you have turned an everyday question into a delightfully formal piece of wordplay.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does incommode come from?
The verb comes from Latin incommodare, meaning “to inconvenience” or “to cause difficulty.” It was formed with the negative prefix in- and a form related to commodus, meaning “suitable,” “advantageous,” or “convenient.” The English word entered usage through French and is cognate with words such as “commodity,” “commodious,” “accommodate,” and “inconvenient,” all of which derive from the same Latin root.
Related word forms
How incommode is actually used
This is a formal and relatively uncommon word. It is especially associated with British English, although it is also used in American English. “Inconvenience” is more common in neutral usage, while “incommode” gives the statement a more formal, often courteous tone.
Easily confused with incommode
To accommodate someone is to provide suitable space, help, or arrangements, whereas to incommode someone is to cause them inconvenience or difficulty.
Incommode is a verb meaning to cause inconvenience, while a commode is a piece of furniture with a drawer and often a toilet.