expedient

¹ex·pe·di·ent

adj \ik-ˈspē-dē-ənt\

Definition of EXPEDIENT

1

: suitable for achieving a particular end in a given circumstance

2

: characterized by concern with what is opportune; especially : governed by self-interest

— ex·pe·di·ent·ly adverb

Examples of EXPEDIENT

1. They found it expedient to negotiate with the terrorists.
2. Do the right thing, not the expedient thing.
3. Marley found it expedient to maintain social relationships with gunmen and politicans from both political parties. —Robert Palmer, Rolling Stone, 24 Feb. 1994
4. The marble floor … gave the hall the aspect of a cathedral, and the walls were decorated with aphorisms such as Cicero's THE WELFARE OF THE PEOPLE IS THE HIGHEST LAW, a phrase he found curiously—or at least potentially—expedient in what was certainly designed as a temple to the idea of law. —Tom Clancy, Patriot Games, 1987
5. Under political pressure and at the urging of Jefferson, Madison finally (but grudgingly) admitted that a bill of rights might help, over time, to instill in the people a greater respect for “the fundamental maxims of free government.” But even as he was sheparding the first amendments through Congress, in 1789, he privately described them (amazingly enough) as a “nauseous project,” required only for expedient reasons of politics. —Jack N. Rakove, Atlantic, December 1986

Origin of EXPEDIENT

Middle English, from Anglo-French or Latin; Anglo-French, from Latin expedient-, expendiens, present participle of expedire to extricate, prepare, be useful, from ex- + ped-, pes foot — more at foot

First Known Use: 14th century

Related to EXPEDIENT

Synonyms: advisable, desirable, judicious, politic, prudent, tactical, wise

Antonyms: impolitic, imprudent, inadvisable, inexpedient, injudicious, unwise

Related Words: advantageous, beneficial, profitable; useful, utilitarian; feasible, possible, practicable, practical; opportune, seasonable, timely; opportunistic, self-seeking

Near Antonyms: impractical, profitless, unfeasible, unprofitable; inopportune, unseasonable, untimely

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Synonym Discussion of EXPEDIENT

expedient, politic, advisable mean dictated by practical or prudent motives. expedient usually implies what is immediately advantageous without regard for ethics or consistent principles <a politically expedient decision>. politic stresses judiciousness and tactical value but usually implies some lack of candor or sincerity <a politic show of interest>. advisable applies to what is practical, prudent, or advantageous but lacks the derogatory implication of expedient and politic <sometimes it's advisable to say nothing>.

Rhymes with EXPEDIENT

ingredient, obedient, submediant