expediency

American  

[ik-spee-dee-uhn-see] / ɪkˈspi di ən si /

Also expedience

noun

plural

expediencies

1. the quality of being expedient; advantageousness; advisability.

2. a regard for what is politic or advantageous rather than for what is right or just; a sense of self-interest.

3. something expedient.

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expediency British  

/ ɪkˈspiːdɪənsɪ /

noun

1. appropriateness; suitability

2. the use of or inclination towards methods that are advantageous rather than fair or just

3. another word for expedient

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Other Word Forms

• nonexpedience noun
• nonexpediency noun

Etymology

Origin of expediency

From the Late Latin word expedientia, dating back to 1605–15. See expedient, -ency

Example Sentences

The outcome of the verdict – and the expediency with which South Koreans held their leader accountable – sends a powerful message at a time when the United Nations has warned of rising authoritarianism around the world.

From BBC

“In so far as the U.S. continues to generate such returns, the bar for divestment is automatically raised, notwithstanding considerations of political expediency.”

From MarketWatch

Apple is pacing itself, putting user experience and privacy above expediency.

From Barron's

For expediency’s sake, Witkoff narrowed the 21 points down to about 10 main ideas without delving too deeply into specifics.

From The Wall Street Journal

Be it political expediency or a genuine change of heart, both have since revised their opinions.

From BBC

Related Words

• practicality