expediency

noun

ex·​pe·​di·​en·​cy ik-ˈspē-dē-ən(t)-sē How to pronounce expediency (audio)
plural expediencies
1
: the quality or state of being suited to the end in view : suitability, fitness
2
obsolete
b
: an enterprise requiring haste or caution
3
: adherence to expedient means and methods
put more emphasis on expediency than on principleW. H. Jones
4
: a means of achieving a particular end : expedient
expediential adjective

Examples of expediency in a Sentence

the expediency of such a plan is questionable
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Leaders everywhere are willing to overlook the well-being of children for political expediency. Beatrice Weber, New York Daily News, 8 May 2025 The expediency allows the company's constellation to get up and running just before wildfire season begins. Josh Dinner, Space.com, 26 Mar. 2025 Rather than being viewed as a competitive threat, AI and machine learning can and should be used as tools to gain efficiency and expediency. Ulrik Juul Christensen, Forbes.com, 30 Apr. 2025 Everything is done in the interest of political expediency and what looks good on paper. Reader Commentary, Baltimore Sun, 29 Apr. 2025 See All Example Sentences for expediency

Word History

First Known Use

1597, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of expediency was in 1597

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Expediency.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/expediency. Accessed 23 May. 2025.

Kids Definition

expediency

noun
ex·​pe·​di·​en·​cy ik-ˈspēd-ē-ən-sē How to pronounce expediency (audio)
plural expediencies
: the use of expedient means and methods
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!