adjective

expedient

ihk-SPEE-dee-uhnt

adjective

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

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

Word Forms

more expedient comparative, expedients plural, most expedient superlative

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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.

Synonyms

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advisable desirable judicious politic prudent tactical wise

Related Words

slow political unwise intelligent attractive confusing wise sexy

Rhymes for expedient

orient ancient patient salient ambient lenient obedient nutrient gradient sentient impatient transient

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