expedient
C1Formal
Definition
Meaning
A means of achieving a particular end, especially one that is convenient and practical but possibly improper or immoral.
(Adjective) Appropriate or suitable, especially for achieving a desired outcome in a situation, but often with a pragmatic focus rather than ethical one. (Noun) An action or method that achieves a desired result.
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
The word often carries a negative connotation, implying a choice made for pragmatic or self-serving reasons rather than ethical or principled ones. However, in neutral or technical contexts, it can simply mean 'suitable'.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant difference in meaning or usage. Slightly more frequent in formal British administrative contexts.
Connotations
The negative connotation (unprincipled pragmatism) is equally strong in both varieties.
Frequency
Similar moderate frequency in both formal written registers.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
it is expedient (for X) to do Yfind it expedient to doconsider something (to be) expedientVocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “a marriage of expedience (or convenience)”
- “bow to expediency”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
Used to describe pragmatic, profit-driven decisions, e.g., 'The merger was a financial expedient.'
Academic
Common in political science, ethics, and history to describe policy choices driven by pragmatism over ideals.
Everyday
Rare in casual conversation. When used, it often implies criticism: 'He changed his stance purely for expedient reasons.'
Technical
In law, may refer to a procedural shortcut or interim measure.
Examples
By Part of Speech
verb
British English
- This is now considered archaic. The verb form is 'expedite'.
American English
- This is now considered archaic. The verb form is 'expedite'.
adverb
British English
- The adverb form is 'expediently', as in: 'He acted expediently to secure the deal.'
American English
- The adverb form is 'expediently', as in: 'She managed the crisis expediently, if not ethically.'
adjective
British English
- In the short term, it was expedient to agree to the contractor's demands.
American English
- The senator took the politically expedient route, supporting the popular bill.
Examples
By CEFR Level
- Sometimes the most expedient solution is not the best one in the long run.
- The government adopted the policy as a temporary expedient during the economic crisis.
- Critics accused the minister of sacrificing principles for politically expedient gains in the polls.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think: EXPEDIENT sounds like 'EXIT' and 'SPEED'. It's the fast way out of a situation, not necessarily the right way.
Conceptual Metaphor
A PATH OR SHORTCUT (often morally dubious) to a GOAL.
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Not a direct synonym for 'fast' (быстрый).
- Closer to 'целесообразный', 'прагматичный' (with potential negative tone), or 'выход' (as a noun).
Common Mistakes
- Using 'expedient' as a synonym for 'fast' or 'urgent' (confusion with 'expedite').
- Misspelling as 'expediant'.
- Failing to convey the often-negative connotation.
Practice
Quiz
What is the most common negative connotation of 'expedient'?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Not always, but often. In formal, neutral contexts, it can simply mean 'suitable for achieving a goal'. However, the implication is usually that practicality is prioritized over other considerations like morality.
'Expedient' is primarily an adjective (or noun) describing a pragmatic means to an end. 'Expedite' is a verb meaning to make a process happen faster.
Both are correct. 'Expedient' refers to a specific means or action. 'Expedience' or 'expediency' is the abstract quality of being expedient (e.g., 'a policy based on expediency').
Use it to analyse actions or decisions, e.g., 'The treaty was an expedient compromise between conflicting ideologies, rather than a principled agreement.'