Expedient Definition
ĭk-spēdē-ənt
expedients
adjective
Useful for effecting a desired result; suited to the circumstances or the occasion; advantageous; convenient.
Webster's New World
Suitable or efficient for accomplishing a purpose.
Thought e-mail was the most expedient way to communicate with distant relatives.
American Heritage
Based on or offering what is of use or advantage rather than what is right or just; guided by self-interest; politic.
Webster's New World
Speedy; expeditious.
American Heritage
Simple, easy, or quick; convenient.
Most people, faced with a decision, will choose the most expedient option.
Wiktionary
Synonyms:
noun
expedients
An expedient thing; means to an end.
Webster's New World
A device used in an emergency; makeshift; resource.
Webster's New World
Other Word Forms of Expedient
Noun
Singular:
expedient
Plural:
expedientsOrigin of Expedient
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From Old French expedient, from Latin expediens (stem expedient-), present participle of expedire (“to bring forward, to dispatch, to expedite; impers. to be profitable, serviceable, advantageous, expedient”), from ex (“out”) + pes
From Wiktionary
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Middle English from Latin expediēns expedient- present participle of expedīre to make ready expedite
From American Heritage Dictionary of the English Language, 5th Edition
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