expedient

IPA

Dictionary definition of expedient

Suitable or advantageous for a particular purpose or situation, even if it may not necessarily be the best or most ethical option.
"The hasty decision to cut corners proved expedient in meeting the tight deadline."

Detailed meaning of expedient

It implies a focus on practicality and effectiveness over principles or ideals. For example, a decision to compromise on certain values or beliefs in order to achieve a specific goal may be considered expedient. However, what is expedient in one situation may not be expedient in another, and it is important to consider the long-term consequences and ethical implications of any expedient action.

Example sentences containing expedient

1. In some situations, telling a white lie may be seen as an expedient way to avoid hurting someone's feelings.
2. He chose the expedient route of using a credit card to cover his unexpected expenses.
3. The company's decision to outsource its customer service department was purely expedient to reduce costs.
4. While not ideal, using a temporary fix was the most expedient solution at the time.
5. Her decision to befriend influential people was an expedient move to advance her career.
6. Sometimes, political leaders make expedient choices to gain short-term popularity.

History and etymology of expedient

The adjective 'expedient' has its origins in the Latin word 'expedire,' which means 'to make ready' or 'to prepare.' Over time, it evolved to encompass the idea of something being suitable or advantageous for a particular purpose or situation, even if it may not necessarily be the best or most ethical option. An expedient action or choice is one that is taken to achieve a specific goal or outcome quickly and efficiently, often in response to immediate needs or circumstances. It may involve pragmatic or practical considerations rather than adhering to a strict moral or ethical code. Thus, 'expedient' suggests a focus on practicality and efficiency, even if it means deviating from more ideal or principled approaches in certain situations.

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Further usage examples of expedient

1. Borrowing money from a friend seemed expedient, but it strained their relationship.
2. The expedient choice of eating fast food saved time but sacrificed nutrition.
3. He considered it expedient to remain silent during the heated argument.
4. In the face of the crisis, the government took expedient measures to stabilize the economy.
5. The decision to cancel the project was expedient given the lack of funding.
6. Choosing a compromise was seen as the expedient way to end the dispute.
7. The manager's expedient decision to fire employees without notice caused outrage among the staff.
8. His expedient tactics in negotiation earned him a reputation for being shrewd but not trustworthy.
9. Cutting corners in the construction process was an expedient choice for the builder, but it led to structural issues later.
10. The politician's expedient promises during the campaign were quickly forgotten once in office.
11. Using a plagiarism checker is an expedient method to ensure the originality of your work.
12. She resorted to expedient means to finish the project ahead of schedule.
13. While it may be expedient to avoid confrontations, sometimes addressing issues directly is more productive in the long run.
14. While not ideal, the expedient solution saved us time and resources.
15. Sometimes, a less ethical choice can seem expedient in the short term.
16. The expedient decision to cut costs resulted in a loss of quality.
17. In a crisis, leaders must make expedient choices to protect lives.
18. He chose the expedient route, although it compromised his principles.
19. Expedient measures were taken to stabilize the company's finances.
20. The politician made expedient promises to win the election.
21. Expedient actions were taken to address the immediate emergency.
22. Expedient compromises were made to reach a consensus.
23. Acting expediently can lead to unintended long-term consequences.
24. Balancing ethics and expedient choices can be challenging in business.