Expediency: meaning, definitions and examples
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expediency
[ ɪkˈspidɪənsi ]
decision-making
Expediency refers to the quality of being convenient and practical despite possibly being improper or immoral. It often pertains to actions taken for the sake of benefiting oneself or achieving short-term goals rather than adhering to ethical considerations.
Synonyms
advantage, convenience, practicality, suitability.
Examples of usage
- The expediency of the proposal raised some ethical concerns.
- They chose expediency over principle in their decision to cut corners.
- In times of crisis, the expediency of solutions can sometimes overshadow their long-term effects.
Translations
Translations of the word "expediency" in other languages:
🇵🇹 oportunidade
🇮🇳 उपयुक्तता
🇩🇪 Zweckmäßigkeit
🇮🇩 kepraktisan
🇺🇦 доцільність
🇵🇱 celowość
🇯🇵 便宜
🇫🇷 opportunité
🇪🇸 oportunidad
🇹🇷 uygunluk
🇰🇷 적절성
🇸🇦 جدوى
🇨🇿 účelnost
🇸🇰 účelnosť
🇨🇳 便利性
🇸🇮 smotrnost
🇮🇸 hagnýti
🇰🇿 тиімділік
🇬🇪 შესაბამისობა
🇦🇿 məqsədliyik
🇲🇽 oportunidad
Etymology
The word 'expediency' comes from the Latin 'expedientia', which means convenience or usefulness, derived from 'expedire', meaning to hasten, execute, or fulfil. This term entered the English language in the early 19th century, reflecting various aspects of practicality and suitability in decision-making contexts. It embodies the idea that certain actions are taken not necessarily because they are morally right, but because they are perceived to be the most beneficial in a given situation. Over time, the term has evolved to carry connotations of compromise and situational ethics, often implying a trade-off between moral principles and practical advantages.