expediency

noun

ex·​pe·​di·​en·​cy ik-ˈspē-dē-ən(t)-sē How to pronounce expediency (audio)
plural expediencies
1
: the quality or state of being suited to the end in view : suitability, fitness
2
obsolete
b
: an enterprise requiring haste or caution
3
: adherence to expedient means and methods
put more emphasis on expediency than on principleW. H. Jones
4
: a means of achieving a particular end : expedient
expediential adjective

Examples of expediency in a Sentence

the expediency of such a plan is questionable
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
That now appears to have been entirely brushed aside in the name of political expediency and the search for peace. Melissa Bell, CNN, 16 Feb. 2025 At 80, the stinging reality is that after 54 years of advocacy, my optimism has been crushed as the Chesapeake dies a death of a thousand cuts on the altar of political expediency. Gerald Winegrad, Baltimore Sun, 10 Feb. 2025 His accomplishments as president were far greater and substantial than most people recognize or would like to admit, in service to their political expediency. Eli Amdur, Forbes, 9 Jan. 2025 Like a genuine metropolis, the Met expanded according to grand plans that were rarely honored and frequently adjusted to conform with expediency and improvisation. Justin Davidson, Curbed, 10 Dec. 2024 See All Example Sentences for expediency

Word History

First Known Use

1597, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of expediency was in 1597

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Cite this Entry

“Expediency.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/expediency. Accessed 2 Mar. 2025.

Kids Definition

expediency

noun
ex·​pe·​di·​en·​cy ik-ˈspēd-ē-ən-sē How to pronounce expediency (audio)
plural expediencies
: the use of expedient means and methods
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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