LINK / CITE ADD TO WORD LIST. noun. The definition of availability is whether someone or something can be accessed or used. An example of availability is when a classmate can meet to discuss a project on a certain date.
excuse - a defense of some offensive behavior or some failure to keep a promise etc.; he kept finding excuses to stay; every day he had a new alibi for not getting a job; his transparent self-justification was unacceptable
Our explanations can give a matter-of-fact account of what happened. Our goal with an explanation is to advise or update the other person about a particular action, event, or situation. On the other hand, the motivation behind an excuse is to convince someone that we are justified in our action or lack of action. Excuses provide the back story for why something happened. While providing an excuse, we often defend our position. We may apologize for not meeting expectations or commitments. Sometimes we plead for forgiveness so that we can resume the relationship without guilt.