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Inexpedient Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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inexpedient

[หŒษชnษชkหˆspidษชษ™nt ]

Definition

Context #1 | Adjective

decision making

Inexpedient refers to actions or decisions that are not advantageous or suitable in a given situation. It suggests a lack of practicality or efficiency in achieving a desired outcome. This term often describes strategies that may lead to unfavorable consequences or inefficiencies. The use of inexpedient solutions can hinder progress or fail to address the core issue effectively.

Synonyms

impractical, inappropriate, unwise.

Examples of usage

  • It was deemed inexpedient to continue with the current plan.
  • The inexpedient choice led to further complications.
  • Her idea seemed inexpedient from a financial perspective.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Usage in Literature

  • In classic literature, characters often grapple with decisions that appear 'inexpedient', highlighting the conflict between immediate emotions and long-term consequences.
  • Famous authors like William Shakespeare used the concept of expedience to illustrate moral dilemmas in their works.

Psychology

  • Research in behavioral psychology suggests that humans often opt for choices that seem expedient in the moment, rather than those that are truly beneficial.
  • Cognitive biases, like the 'sunk cost fallacy', can lead individuals to pursue 'inexpedient' paths based on past decisions rather than clear reasoning.

Politics

  • In political discourse, decisions labeled as 'inexpedient' are often those that do not align with public interest or are seen as ineffective.
  • Historically, rulers have at times favored 'inexpedient' policies to maintain power, illustrating the tension between practical governance and ethical obligation.

Business

  • In the business world, an 'inexpedient' strategy might involve pursuing a market that is not aligned with a company's core strengths.
  • Financial analysts often warn against 'inexpedient' investments that don't match a firm's long-term goals, emphasizing due diligence in decision-making.

Origin of 'inexpedient'

Main points about word origin

  • The word 'inexpedient' comes from the Latin 'expedientem', meaning 'to free or to accomplish', with the prefix 'in-' added to suggest the opposite.
  • It first appeared in the English language in the early 19th century, showing the evolution of decision-making language in formal contexts.

The word 'inexpedient' originates from the Latin word 'expedientem,' which is the present participle of 'expedire,' meaning to free or extricate. The prefix 'in-' is added to create the negation, indicating a lack of expediency. The term began to appear in English texts in the early 19th century, primarily used in political, economic, and strategic contexts. It often describes actions or policies that do not yield beneficial results or are considered counterproductive. Over time, 'inexpedient' became associated with discussions about decision-making processes and the consequences of choices made in various fields, including business, governance, and personal life. Its use signifies a critical evaluation of options available in different contexts, emphasizing a preference for practicality and efficiency.

Word Frequency Rank

Positioned at #22,488, this word is part of extensive vocabulary. It's relatively rare in general usage but may be important in specific fields or formal writing.