Expediency: meaning, definitions and examples

Etymology

• The word comes from the Latin 'expedientem', meaning 'to free or to prepare' for action.
• It has been used in English since the early 17th century, originally referring to actions that help one achieve purposes quickly.

Political Science

• In politics, decisions made for expediency often prioritize immediate results over ethical considerations.
• Politicians may embrace expediency in decision-making during crises to ensure quick action.

Philosophy

• Philosophers often debate whether expedient actions can be morally justified in a given context.
• Some ethical theories, like utilitarianism, may support expediency if it leads to the greatest overall good.

Business

• In the world of business, expediency can lead to shortcuts that benefit a company in the short term but may harm its reputation long-term.
• Companies often weigh the trade-off between expedience and quality in their processes.

Psychology

• The tendency to act with expediency can stem from cognitive biases, where individuals favor simpler paths to decision-making.
• Research indicates that under stress, people may lean more heavily on expedient choices rather than considered ones.

Ranked #11,522, this word falls into high-advanced vocabulary. It appears less frequently but is valuable for expressing precise meanings in specific contexts.

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