expedient
[ ik-spee-dee-uhnt ]
/ ɪkˈspi di ənt /
adjective
tending to promote some proposed or desired object; fit or suitable for the purpose; proper under the circumstances: It is expedient that you go.
conducive to advantage or interest, as opposed to right.
acting in accordance with expediency, or what is advantageous.
noun
a means to an end: The ladder was a useful expedient for getting to the second floor.
a means devised or employed in an exigency; resource; shift: Use any expedients you think necessary to get over the obstacles in your way.
Nearby words
expectorant, expectorate, expectoration, expediate, expediency, expedient, expediential, expeditate, expedite, expediter, expedition
Origin of expedient
SYNONYMS FOR expedient
Related forms
Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2019
Examples from the Web for expedient
British Dictionary definitions for expedient
expedient
/ (ɪkˈspiːdɪənt) /
adjective
suitable to the circumstances; appropriate
inclined towards methods or means that are advantageous rather than fair or just
noun Also: expediency
something suitable or appropriate, esp something used during an urgent situation
Derived Forms
expediently, adverbWord Origin for expedient
C14: from Latin expediēns setting free; see expedite
Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition
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