mod cons: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C1Informal, primarily British and Commonwealth English. Common in property listings, casual conversation, and lifestyle journalism.
Quick answer
What does “mod cons” mean?
Modern conveniences.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
Modern conveniences; the appliances and amenities (especially in a house or apartment) that make life easier and more comfortable.
Often used to denote the level of comfort and technological advancement of a living space, implying a certain standard of living. Can be used metaphorically to refer to any convenient, time-saving features.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Very common in British English; rarely used in American English, where 'amenities', 'modern appliances', or simply 'conveniences' are preferred.
Connotations
In British English, it often evokes a specific mid-to-late 20th century idea of domestic comfort. In American English, if used, it would sound distinctly British.
Frequency
High frequency in UK property and lifestyle contexts; very low frequency in US English.
Grammar
How to Use “mod cons” in a Sentence
The cottage has {all/full/basic} mod cons.It was renovated to include {the expected} mod cons.The flat is comfortable but lacks {essential} mod cons.Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “mod cons” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- Not applicable as a verb.
American English
- Not applicable as a verb.
adverb
British English
- Not applicable as an adverb.
American English
- Not applicable as an adverb.
adjective
British English
- The flat boasts a fully-fitted, mod-cons kitchen.
- They were looking for a mod-cons holiday let.
American English
- The apartment had a modern, amenity-filled kitchen. (US equivalent phrasing)
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Used in real estate/property descriptions to highlight selling points.
Academic
Rare; might appear in sociological or historical discussions of domestic life.
Everyday
Common when describing or asking about a home's features.
Technical
Not used.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “mod cons”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “mod cons”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “mod cons”
- Using it in the singular ('a mod con').
- Spelling it as 'mod-cons' without a space (it's typically hyphenated when used attributively, e.g., 'a mod-cons kitchen').
- Using it in formal American English contexts.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
It is informal. It is common in everyday speech and advertising, but not in formal reports or academic writing (where 'amenities' or 'modern conveniences' might be used).
You can, but it will mark you as using a British English term. An American listener would understand it, but terms like 'amenities', 'modern appliances', or 'features' are far more common in the US.
Because it refers to a collection of items (multiple conveniences). You would never have just one 'mod con'.
Central heating, double glazing, a fitted kitchen, a power shower, reliable hot water, high-speed internet, integrated appliances (dishwasher, washing machine). The specific items considered 'mod cons' evolve with technology.
Modern conveniences.
Mod cons: in British English it is pronounced /ˌmɒd ˈkɒnz/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˌmɑːd ˈkɑːnz/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “It's got all the mod cons. (Standard description of a well-equipped property)”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Imagine a **MOD**ern **CONS**truction site manager listing all the modern **CONS**veniences the new flats will have.
Conceptual Metaphor
COMFORT IS TECHNOLOGY / PROGRESS IS DOMESTIC EASE (Possessing mod cons represents a forward step in personal comfort and control over one's environment).
Practice
Quiz
In which context is 'mod cons' MOST likely to be used?