Expediency - Meaning, Definition & English Examples
Expediency refers to choosing the most practical or efficient course of action, often prioritizing immediate benefit over long-term principles. It emphasizes convenience or advantage in decision-making.
Definition:
The quality of being convenient or practical despite possibly being improper or immoral.
Synonyms:
convenience, practicality, advantage, opportunism
Part of Speech:
noun
Antonyms:
impracticality, disadvantage
Common Collocations:
political expediency, short-term expediency, moral expediency
Derivatives:
expedient, expediently
Usage Tips:
Use 'expediency' to describe actions taken for immediate benefit rather than ethical considerations.
Common Phrases:
sacrifice for expediency, bow to expediency, a matter of expediency
Etymology:
From Latin 'expedientia,' meaning 'advantage' or 'fitness,' derived from 'expedire' (to free from obstacles).
Examples:
- 1. The mayor chose expediency over principle to pass the law quickly.
- 2. Expediency often leads to decisions that ignore long-term consequences.
- 3. She acted out of expediency rather than genuine concern for others.
- 4. The company prioritized financial expediency over employee welfare during the crisis.