Expedient Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
⚙️
expedient
[ɪkˈspiːdiənt ]
Definitions
in decision making
Convenient and practical, although possibly improper or immoral.
Synonyms
advantageous, beneficial, practical, suitable, useful.
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| expedient |
Used when referring to a quick, efficient, or practical solution, often with an implication of self-serving or temporary benefits. Can have a negative connotation if it suggests compromising ethics for convenience.
|
| practical |
Used when referring to something that is sensible, realistic, and functional rather than theoretical.
|
| advantageous |
Used when something offers a benefit or puts someone in a more favorable position.
|
| beneficial |
Used when something provides a positive effect or contributes to well-being.
|
| useful |
Used when something is handy, serves a useful purpose, or aids in completing tasks.
|
| suitable |
Used when something is appropriate, fitting, or meets the requirements for a particular situation.
|
Examples of usage
- It might be expedient to overlook this error for the sake of efficiency.
- The decision was made on expedient grounds rather than ethical ones.
in politics
A means to an end, especially one that is convenient but considered improper or immoral.
Synonyms
maneuver, ploy, scheme, tactic.
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| expedient |
Use when referring to something done for convenience or self-interest that may not necessarily be morally right.
|
| scheme |
Refers to a large-scale, often secret and usually dishonest plan to achieve something.
|
| tactic |
Used to describe a specific action or strategy planned to achieve a short-term goal.
|
| maneuver |
Refers to a strategic or skillful move, often in military or competitive contexts.
|
| ploy |
Implies a clever, often deceitful trick or strategy intended to achieve a specific outcome, usually negative.
|
Examples of usage
- The politician used various expedients to gain more votes.
- The proposed solution was seen as a political expedient rather than a principled one.
Translations
To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.
Interesting Facts
Political Science
- In politics, a choice that may be expedient is often made for quick gains, even if it’s not morally ideal.
- Politicians might pursue expedient solutions during crises to satisfy immediate public demand.
- The term is frequently debated in ethics, particularly regarding the balance between means and ends.
Philosophy
- Philosophers often discuss expedience in the context of utilitarian ethics, which values outcomes that provide the greatest benefit.
- Expedient actions may conflict with moral principles, leading to discussions about 'the ends justifying the means.'
- The tension between expedience and ethical integrity is a recurring theme in philosophical literature.
Business
- In business, an expedient approach might refer to making quick decisions that maximize profit in the short term.
- Companies often face dilemmas when expedient actions can lead to ethical concerns, like prioritizing profit over employee well-being.
- Successful leaders balance expedient decisions with long-term strategy to maintain stakeholder trust.
Everyday Life
- People often make expedient choices in daily life, like taking shortcuts to save time, even if it's not the best option overall.
- Living in a fast-paced world can make expedience appealing, but it may lead to overlooking deeper issues or solutions.
- Finding the balance between expediency and quality is a common challenge in personal and professional settings.
Origin of 'expedient'
Main points about word origin
- The word comes from the Latin 'expedientem,' meaning 'to free from impediments' or 'to untangle.'
- It has been used in English since the late 14th century, initially referring to actions that were advantageous or helpful.
- Over time, the meaning evolved to imply a focus on convenience and efficiency over thoroughness.
The word 'expedient' originated from the Latin word 'expediens', which means 'advantageous'. Over time, it evolved to encompass the idea of being practical and convenient, even if it may not be entirely moral or ethical. The concept of expedience has been prevalent in decision-making processes throughout history, especially in politics and governance, where the focus may shift from principles to practicality. The word continues to be used in contemporary language to describe actions or solutions that prioritize convenience and efficiency over ethical considerations.