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adjective

expedient

ihk-SPEE-dee-uhnt
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Expedient (adjective) means Convenient and practical for achieving a goal, though not necessarily right or moral. Example: “It was politically expedient to avoid the issue before the election.”

adjective
1
Convenient and practical for achieving a goal, though not necessarily right or moral.
"It was politically expedient to avoid the issue before the election."
noun
1
A convenient method used to achieve a result quickly, especially as a shortcut.
"They resorted to legal expedients rather than fixing the underlying problem."

How to use expedient

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishSomething that's convenient and gets quick results, even if it isn't the most honest or ideal choice.

Common mistake

Expedient often carries a slightly negative shade — implying self-interest rather than doing the right thing. Don't confuse with "expeditious," which just means fast.

Easily confused with
expeditious →
Common pairings
politically expedient an expedient solution
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Word forms

Plural
expedients
Comparative
more expedient
Superlative
most expedient
Test yourself on “expedient” A quick quiz — meaning, synonyms & usage →

Fill the gap

Can you complete this real example?

It was politically _____ to avoid the issue before the election.

Etymology

From Latin expediens, "advantageous," from expedire, "to make ready, be useful," from ex- ("out") plus pes ("foot") — the underlying image is of freeing the feet to move.

Origin: Latin

Synonyms

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advisable desirable judicious politic prudent tactical wise

Antonyms

inexpedient

Related words

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Rhymes for expedient

client orient ancient patient salient ambient lenient quotient obedient nutrient gradient sentient
See all rhymes for expedient →

Frequently asked questions

What does “expedient” mean?
The word “expedient” means convenient and practical for achieving a goal, though not necessarily right or moral. In plain terms, something that's convenient and gets quick results, even if it isn't the most honest or ideal choice.
How do you pronounce “expedient”?
“Expedient” is pronounced ihk-SPEE-dee-uhnt (/ɪkˈspiːdi.ənt/ in IPA).
How do you use “expedient” in a sentence?
Here is “expedient” used in a sentence: “It was politically expedient to avoid the issue before the election.”
What is another word for “expedient”?
Words with a similar meaning to “expedient” include advisable, desirable, judicious, politic, prudent and tactical.
What part of speech is “expedient”?
Depending on how it is used, “expedient” can be an adjective and a noun.
Where does the word “expedient” come from?
The word “expedient” comes from Latin. From Latin expediens, "advantageous," from expedire, "to make ready, be useful," from ex- ("out") plus pes ("foot") — the underlying image is of freeing the feet to move.
How many meanings does “expedient” have?
“Expedient” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: convenient and practical for achieving a goal, though not necessarily right or moral.

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