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Expedient

//ɪkˈspiːdi.ənt// adj, noun

Definitions

Adjective

1
Suitable to effect some desired end or the purpose intended.
"Most people, faced with a decision, will choose the most expedient option."
2
Affording short-term benefit, often at the expense of the long-term.
"[T]he judges were unanimously of opinion that [...] by the common law of England, no man, not authorised by the crown, had a right to publish political news. While the Whig party was still formidable, the government thought it expedient occasionally to connive at the violation of this rule."
3
Governed by self-interest, often short-term self-interest.
"But the Expedient, in the sense in which it is opposed to the Right, generally means that which is expedient for the particular interest of the agent himself; as when a minister sacrifices the interests of his country to keep himself in place."
4
Expeditious, quick, rapid. obsolete
"the adverse winds / Whose leisure I have stay'd, have given him time / To land his legions all as soon as I; / His marches are expedient to this town / His forces strong, his soldiers confident."

Adjective

1
serving to promote your interest wordnet
2
appropriate to a purpose; practical wordnet

Noun

1
A method or means for achieving a particular result, especially when direct or efficient; a resource.
"To secure such a market, there is no other expedient, than to promote manufacturing establishments."
2
a means to an end; not necessarily a principled or ethical one wordnet

Etymology

Etymology 1

From Middle English expedient, 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”) + pēs (“foot, hoof”).

Etymology 2

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