Expediency Meaning
/ɛkˈspiː.dɪ.ən.si/Definition, CEFR level C1, pronunciation, examples, and quiz.
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Definition
nounThe quality of being fit or suitable to effect some desired end or the purpose intended; suitability for particular circumstance or situation.
"Imperfet governments […] may palliate crimes upon the plea of necessity or expediency; divine wisdom discovers no expediency in vice; […]"— 1810, Thomas Cogan, An Ethical Treatise on the Passions and Affections of the Mind, page 137:
nounPursuit of the course of action that brings the desired effect even if it is unjust or unprincipled.
"Utterly neglectful of what he owes to the kingdom which he hopes to regain, Charles has learned but adversity's worst lesson—expediency."— 1834, L[etitia] E[lizabeth] L[andon], chapter XXIII, in Francesca Carrara. […], volume II, London: Richard Bentley, […], (successor to Henry Colburn), →OCLC, page 258:
nounHaste; dispatch.
nounAn expedient.
Sentence Examples
The decision was made for expediency rather than principle.
Expediency guided their actions in the crisis.
The manager chose political expediency over the long-term success.
CEFR Practice Quiz
Choosing ____ over fairness, they took the fastest route to complete the project.
CEFR Practice Quiz (Alternate)
The government was criticized for choosing political ____ over the long-term good of the people.
Explore More C1 Vocabulary Words
CEFR Practice Quiz
Choosing ____ over fairness, they took the fastest route to complete the project.
CEFR Practice Quiz (Alternate)
The government was criticized for choosing political ____ over the long-term good of the people.