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

• advisability
• advisableness
• desirability
• desirableness
• expedience
• judiciousness
• prudence
• wisdom

Examples of expediency in a Sentence

the expediency of such a plan is questionable

Recent Examples on the Web

But the three in the goals-for ledger must start ticking upward with the expediency of a bouncer’s counter on a busy weekend night. —Daniel Nugent-Bowman, New York Times, 16 June 2025

The move was surprising given the expediency of the release coming to the streaming service, considering the film opened in theaters on April 4 and made its debut on digital streaming via premium video on demand on May 13. —Tim Lammers, Forbes.com, 11 June 2025

Critics argue that it can be used for political expediency or to shield allies from accountability, potentially undermining the justice system's integrity. —Walter Pavlo, Forbes, 19 Feb. 2025

Like Carl, Akram crosses lines, though his transgressions are fueled by expediency rather than temper. —Judy Berman, Time, 29 May 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