expediency

Also ex·pe·di·ence

[ik-spee-dee-uhn-see]

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.

expediency

/ 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

Other Word Forms

• nonexpedience noun
• nonexpediency noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of expediency¹

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

Example Sentences

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

From BBC

As such, the government in Kuala Lumpur may have little choice but to sacrifice domestic approval to economic expediency.

From Salon

The first “Simple Favor” was already a dishy delight — and if that summary intrigues you, it’s worth a watch to take in all of the preposterous twists and turns I’ve left out for expediency.

From Salon

However, Jacobs and Roach refuse to sacrifice Violet’s character for the film’s expediency.

From Salon

“I think it would be the understatement of the decade if we said that we have concerns about the expediency of federal support, not only here in California, but across the country,” Carvalho said.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• practicality