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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.

expediency

/ɪkˈspiːdiənsi/ /ɪkˈspiːdiənsi/

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.

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