Definition

1. Adjective:

   • Appropriate to a purpose; practical: Describes an action or method that is useful and effective in achieving a specific goal, especially in a particular situation, without necessarily considering morality or long-term effects.
   • Serving to promote one's interest: Describes something done because it is advantageous or beneficial to oneself.

2. Noun:

   • A means to an end; not necessarily a principled or ethical one: Refers to a method, action, or device used to achieve a particular result, often with a connotation of being a temporary or self-serving solution.

Usage Examples

• Adjective:
  • In the circumstances, it was expedient to express loyalty. (It was the practical and advantageous thing to do at that moment.)
  • The manager made an expedient decision to meet the deadline, though it wasn't the most ethical. (The decision was practical for the immediate goal.)
• Noun:
  • The new policy was merely a political expedient to gain votes. (The policy was a means to achieve the end of winning the election.)
  • He saw the agreement as a temporary expedient, not a lasting solution. (The agreement was a convenient short-term method.)

Advanced Usage

• As a contrast to 'principled': Often used to highlight that an action is taken for practical advantage rather than moral correctness.
  • His apology was an expedient gesture, not a sincere one.
• In formal or political contexts: Frequently describes pragmatic, often cynical, actions in governance or business.
  • The treaty was an expedient to end the immediate conflict.

Variants and Related Words

• Expediency (noun): The quality of being convenient, practical, or advantageous, especially when considered without regard for ethics.
  • He chose the path of expediency over principle.
• Expediently (adverb): In a manner that is convenient and practical.
  • The problem was expediently resolved, but not properly fixed.

Synonyms

• Adjective: Practical, advantageous, convenient, politic, opportune, useful.
• Noun: Means, measure, device, tactic, stratagem, stopgap.

Antonyms

• Adjective: Impractical, inexpedient, principled, ethical.
• Noun: Principle, ethic.

Related Phrases and Idioms

• A necessary expedient: A temporary measure that is required by the circumstances.
  • Using old equipment was a necessary expedient until the new shipment arrived.
• Expedient to the purpose: Suitable for achieving the intended goal.
  • Any method expedient to the purpose was employed.

Adjective

1. appropriate to a purpose; practical
   • in the circumstances it was expedient to express loyalty
2. serving to promote your interest
   • was merciful only when mercy was expedient

Noun

1. a means to an end; not necessarily a principled or ethical one