expediency

noun

ex·​pe·​di·​en·​cy ik-ˈspē-dē-ən(t)-sē 

plural expediencies

1

: the quality or state of being suited to the end in view : suitability, fitness

2

obsolete

a

: haste, dispatch

b

: an enterprise requiring haste or caution

3

: adherence to expedient means and methods

… put more emphasis on expediency than on principle.

—W. H. Jones

4

: a means of achieving a particular end : expedient

expediential

ik-ˌspē-dē-ˈen-chəl 

adjective

Synonyms of expediency

• expedience
• desirability
• feasibility
• advisability
• prudence
• judiciousness
• desirableness

Examples of expediency in a Sentence

the expediency of such a plan is questionable

Recent Examples on the Web

That said, gathering feedback cannot come at the expense of expediency. — Harry Kraemer, Forbes.com, 7 Apr. 2026

Sadly, expediency regularly triumphs over the rule of law far too often in this presidency, and that puts the rights of all citizens at risk. — John E. Jones Iii, The Conversation, 23 June 2026

The expediency of their exchanges (back and forth over a couple of weeks) electrified the planet, especially the mounting viciousness of Lamar’s attack (ad hominem all the way). — New York Times, 28 Apr. 2026

But, again, is acting out of expediency and the desire to streamline a conclusive end the same as delivering a final season representing the best of The Bear? — Daniel Fienberg, HollywoodReporter, 25 June 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1597, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Kids Definition

expediency

noun

ex·​pe·​di·​en·​cy ik-ˈspēd-ē-ən-sē 

plural expediencies

: the use of expedient means and methods