Expediency

/ɛkˈspiː.dɪ.ən.si/ · noun

Meaning

(uncountable) The quality of being fit or suitable to effect some desired end or the purpose intended; suitability for particular circumstance or situation..

Definitions by Sense

1. (uncountable) The quality of being fit or suitable to effect some desired end or the purpose intended; suitability for particular circumstance or situation.
2. (uncountable) Pursuit of the course of action that brings the desired effect even if it is unjust or unprincipled.
3. (obsolete) Haste; dispatch.
4. (countable) An expedient.

Example Sentences

Imperfet governments […] may palliate crimes upon the plea of necessity or expediency; divine wisdom discovers no expediency in vice; […]

Much declamation may be heard in the present day against “expediency”, as if it were not the proper object of a Deliberative Assembly, and as if it were only pursued by the unprincipled.

However, by that time the powerful tides of political unionism, metropolitan fashion and commercial expediency were flowing against the language, at least among the Scottish elites.

Utterly neglectful of what he owes to the kingdom which he hopes to regain, Charles has learned but adversity's worst lesson—expediency.

Others warned the British government’s approach would be imitated, for political expediency, by authorities elsewhere.

Synonyms for expediency

Antonyms for expediency

Related Words

Word Forms

• expediencies

Usage Notes

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