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

The expediency and greed of the fast-moving artificial intelligence industry are the motivators, and health and safety are no longer of paramount concern. —Chicago Tribune, 8 Feb. 2026

Still, Blackwell remained critical of the lack of expediency in freeing the men from detention. —Jacob Rosen, CBS News, 5 Feb. 2026

Not good enough to warrant expediency, at least. —Dieter Kurtenbach, Mercury News, 31 Jan. 2026

Grier was explicit about the risks of forgoing process in exchange for expediency. —Marybeth Gasman, Forbes.com, 21 Jan. 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