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

From bailing out financial institutions in 2008 to funding government stimulus programs during the COVID-19 pandemic, the Fed has consistently prioritized political expediency over economic fundamentals. —Dave Birnbaum, Forbes, 23 Jan. 2025

If Netanyahu chooses political expediency, then Trump can kiss his Abraham Accords dreams goodbye. —John Yoo and John Shu, Newsweek, 23 Jan. 2025

By working across the aisle to develop thoughtful, balanced school choice policies for kids and families, Democrats can signal their first move toward a more centrist party that values working-class families over political expediency. —Juan Rangel, Twin Cities, 22 Jan. 2025

Still, perhaps out of expediency or perhaps because Trump’s eldest son dated the Governor’s ex-wife and former San Fran First Lady Kimberly Guilfoyle for many years, the two men had a few congenial moments. —Dominic Patten, Deadline, 8 Jan. 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