Definition of EXPEDIENT

expedient

Plural: expedients

Noun

  • a means to an end; not necessarily a principled or ethical one
  • A method or means for achieving a particular result, especially when direct or efficient; a resource.

Adjective

  • serving to promote your interest
    • "was merciful only when mercy was expedient"

Adjective Satellite

  • appropriate to a purpose; practical
    • "in the circumstances it was expedient to express loyalty"

Adj

  • Suitable to effect some desired end or the purpose intended.
  • Affording short-term benefit, often at the expense of the long-term.
  • Governed by self-interest, often short-term self-interest.
  • Expeditious, quick, rapid.

Examples

  • Most people, faced with a decision, will choose the most expedient option.

Origin / Etymology

From Middle English expedient, from Old French expedient, from Latin expediens (stem expedient-), present participle of expedire (“to bring forward, to dispatch, to expedite; impers. to be profitable, serviceable, advantageous, expedient”), from ex (“out”) + pēs (“foot, hoof”).

Antonyms

inexpedient

Scrabble Score: 19

expedient: valid Scrabble (US) TWL Word
expedient: valid Scrabble Word in Merriam-Webster MW Dictionary
expedient: valid Scrabble Word in International Collins CSW Dictionary

Words With Friends Score: 21

expedient: valid Words With Friends Word