expediency

/iks'pi:djəns/ Cách viết khác : (expediency) /iks'pi:djənsi/

Thân thiện

A politician chooses expediency over principle in the debate.

Definition

Noun: 1. The quality of being convenient, practical, or advantageous in achieving a particular end, often with a focus on immediate benefit rather than morality or principle. It refers to choosing an action because it is useful for a specific purpose or situation, even if it is not the most ethical or ideal long-term solution. 2. (Often used in the plural: expediencies) A means or action adopted for its immediate advantage or suitability in a particular circumstance.

Usage and Examples

• General Use: The word often describes a decision-making principle where the most immediately effective or easiest course of action is chosen.
  • The manager chose expediency over thoroughness to meet the tight deadline.
  • Political expediency sometimes leads to short-sighted policies.
• Plural Form (expediencies): Refers to specific actions or measures taken for practical advantage.
  • The new regulations are mere bureaucratic expediencies, not well-considered reforms.

Advanced Usage and Nuance

• Expediency vs. Principle: This word is frequently used in contrast to actions based on ethics, morals, or long-term ideals. Choosing implies prioritizing what works now over what is "right."
  • He was criticized for abandoning his principles for the sake of political expediency.
• Negative Connotation: While neutral in some contexts, often carries a slightly negative or cynical connotation, suggesting a lack of integrity or foresight.
  • The decision was one of pure expediency, made without any concern for the consequences.

Variants and Related Words

• Expedient:
  • Adjective: (of an action) Convenient and practical, although possibly improper or immoral. "It was expedient to remain silent."
  • Noun: A means of attaining an end, especially one that is convenient but possibly improper. "The new law was seen as a temporary expedient."
• Expedite (Verb): To make an action or process happen more quickly.
• Inexpediency (Noun): The quality of being unsuitable or inadvisable.

Synonyms

• Convenience: The state of being able to proceed with something with little effort or difficulty.
• Advantageousness: The quality of being beneficial or favorable.
• Pragmatism: A practical, matter-of-fact approach to problems and affairs.
• Opportunism: The practice of taking advantage of opportunities as they arise, with little regard for principles or consequences.

Antonyms

• Imprudence: Lack of wisdom or care in the management of practical matters.
• Idealistic adherence to principle: Sticking strictly to ethical rules regardless of practical outcome.
• Inadvisability: The quality of being not recommended or wise.

Học thuật

Noun

1. the quality of being suited to the end in view

Từ đồng nghĩa

• expedience