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

• 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

The state of California collects more than enough tax revenue to do what must be done, but routinely chooses to do the wrong thing out of political expediency. —The Editorial Board, Oc Register, 9 Sep. 2025

When state legislatures restrict oversight out of political expediency, that is legal violence. —Hansel Alejandro Aguilar, Mercury News, 6 Sep. 2025

In the meantime, Chicago’s humanities professors appear largely determined to resist being evaluated in terms of expediency. —Tyler Austin Harper, The Atlantic, 26 Aug. 2025

Trade policy built on ad hoc decisions and political expediency doesn't deliver for the broader economy. —Devry Boughner Vorwerk, MSNBC Newsweek, 18 Aug. 2025

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