English Dictionary
Definition of “expedient”
expedient (ɪkˈspiːdɪənt
)
Definitions
adjective
- suitable to the circumstances; appropriate
- inclined towards methods or means that are advantageous rather than fair or just
noun
Also
expediency- something suitable or appropriate, esp something used during an urgent situation
Alternative Forms
exˈpediently adverb Word Origin
C14: from Latin expediēns setting free; see expedite
Synonyms
View thesaurus entry
=
advantageous,
effective,
useful,
profitable,
fit,
politic,
appropriate,
practical,
suitable,
helpful,
proper,
convenient,
desirable,
worthwhile,
beneficial,
pragmatic,
prudent,
advisable,
utilitarian,
judicious,
opportune,
=
means,
measure,
scheme,
method,
resource,
resort,
device,
manoeuvre,
expediency,
stratagem,
contrivance,
stopgap,
Usage examples
Of course the rational expedient would have been to demand an outright answer to her suspicions, but she was now far beyond rationality.
Loraine, Philip, Last Shot (1986)At the same time, the Congress is eminently pragmatic and will do what is expedient rather than ideologically correct.
India Today (1999)It has been expedient for the Government to say they cannot legislate for "hard" cases.
Irish Times (2002)But for those that need to raise money it is a very expedient option.
Times, Sunday Times (2004)This was only a temporary expedient , however, for a few years later he was replaced by a senior officer.
Montgomery, Daniel B, Fire in the Lotus - the dynamic Buddhism of Nichiren (1991)
