expediency
Americannoun
plural
expediencies-
the quality of being expedient; advantageousness; advisability.
-
a regard for what is politic or advantageous rather than for what is right or just; a sense of self-interest.
-
something expedient.
noun
-
appropriateness; suitability
-
the use of or inclination towards methods that are advantageous rather than fair or just
-
another word for expedient
Other Word Forms
Etymology
Origin of expediency
From the Late Latin word expedientia, dating back to 1605–15. See expedient, -ency
Explanation
Expediency gets you what you want. While its tone can be neutral, expediency often suggests self-interest, possibly at the expense of doing what's right. Expediency comes from the word expedient, which derived from the Latin expedientem, meaning "beneficial." The negative aspect of the word came about in the 18th Century, taking on the aspect of doing something in the most convenient and advantageous manner, even though that way might be against conventional ethics. As W. Somerset Maugham once wrote, “The most useful thing about a principle is that it can always be sacrificed to expediency.”
Vocabulary lists containing expediency
Trumps
Looking to grow your vocabulary? Check out this interactive, curated word list from our team of English language specialists at Vocabulary.com – one of over 17,000 lists we've built to help learners worldwide!
The Call of the Wild
Interested in learning more words like this one? Our team at Vocabulary.com has got you covered! You can review flashcards, quiz yourself, practice spelling, and more – and it's all completely free to use!
The Shakespeare Stealer
Want to remember this word for good? Start your learning journey today with our library of interactive, themed word lists built by the experts at Vocabulary.com – we'll help you make the most of your study time!
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
He is also on the country’s Expediency Council, which advises the supreme leader, as well as settles disputes between parliament and the Guardian Council which acts as Iran’s constitutional watchdog overseeing the country’s elections.
From Washington Times • May 22, 2023
The head of the Expediency Council, Mohsen Rezaei, has pointed to security and intelligence lapses.
From BBC • Nov. 28, 2020
Expediency, though, comes with a price, and others see a darker outcome.
From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 5, 2017
At the time of his death, he headed the Expediency Council, which is tasked with resolving disputes between parliament and the twelve-man Guardian Council, which vets legislation for compliance with Islam.
From The New Yorker • Jan. 9, 2017
The first decided anti-slavery step taken by him was the publication of his fiery philippic, "Justice and Expediency."
From John Greenleaf Whittier His Life, Genius, and Writings by Kennedy, W. Sloane
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
