expediency
C1Formal, Academic
Definition
Meaning
The quality of being convenient and practical despite possibly not being morally right; the principle of doing what is advantageous or useful in a given situation.
A means or action suited to the circumstances, especially one that is pragmatic, efficient, or self-serving. In political contexts, it often implies prioritizing short-term gain or immediate results over principle.
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
Often carries a negative connotation of sacrificing ethical standards for practical benefit. The related word 'expedience' is less common but can be used interchangeably, though 'expediency' is more frequent.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant difference in meaning or spelling. Both regions use the term with the same nuance.
Connotations
Strongly negative in both, implying a morally questionable, opportunistic action taken for convenience.
Frequency
Slightly more common in British political/journalistic discourse, but high frequency in formal contexts in both regions.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
Noun + of + expediency (e.g., 'a question of expediency')Adjective + expediency (e.g., 'political expediency')For + (the sake of) + expediency (e.g., 'done for expediency')Vocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Usage
Context Usage
Business
Rare; 'expedite' is common, but 'expediency' is too negative for standard business communication.
Academic
Common in political science, ethics, and history to critique decisions made for short-term gain.
Everyday
Very rare; more formal term used in discussion of politics or ethics.
Technical
Not used in STEM fields.
Examples
By Part of Speech
verb
British English
- The verb is 'expedite'. The government moved to expedite the planning process.
American English
- The verb is 'expedite'. We need to expedite this shipment to meet the deadline.
adverb
British English
- The adverb is 'expediently'. The legislation was expediently pushed through before the recess.
American English
- The adverb is 'expediently'. The contract was expediently revised to avoid litigation.
adjective
British English
- The adjective is 'expedient'. It was expedient to cancel the meeting given the rail strikes.
American English
- The adjective is 'expedient'. The mayor took the politically expedient route of raising fees.
Examples
By CEFR Level
- The decision was made more for expediency than for fairness.
- Sometimes expediency is more important than following every rule.
- The policy reversal was a clear case of political expediency, designed to win votes.
- He chose the path of expediency, ignoring the long-term consequences of his action.
- Critics accused the administration of sacrificing principles on the altar of expediency.
- The alliance was formed out of sheer military expediency, not shared ideological conviction.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think: EXPEDIency sounds like 'speed' (expedite). It's about doing the fast, convenient thing, not necessarily the right thing.
Conceptual Metaphor
PRINCIPLE IS A SOLID PATH, EXPEDIENCY IS A SHORTCUT (often through muddy or questionable ground).
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Avoid translating as 'скорость' (speed) or 'оперативность' (efficiency). The closer concept is 'целесообразность', but it lacks the strong negative connotation. 'Конъюнктурность' or 'прагматизм' (in a negative sense) are closer.
Common Mistakes
- Misspelling as 'expediancy'. Confusing it with the positive 'efficiency'. Using it in a positive sense (e.g., 'We admire his expediency').
Practice
Quiz
In which context is the word 'expediency' most appropriately used?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Almost always negative. It implies that ethical or principled considerations have been abandoned for practical, often self-serving, benefit.
They are synonyms and can be used interchangeably, though 'expediency' is far more common in modern usage, especially in negative contexts.
Very rarely. In highly formal or philosophical contexts, it might neutrally denote 'suitability to the purpose', but the negative connotation is overwhelmingly dominant.
'Principle' or 'integrity'. If someone acts with expediency, they are not acting on principle.
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