expedient
[ ik-spee-dee-uhnt ]
/ ɪkˈspi di ənt /
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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.
OTHER WORDS FOR expedient
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Origin of expedient
OTHER WORDS FROM expedient
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Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
How to use expedient in a sentence
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 of expedient
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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