expediency
UK: ɪkˈspiː.di.ən.si | US: ɪkˈspiː.di.ən.si
n. the quality of being convenient or practical despite possibly being improper or immoral
n. a means of achieving a particular end, often with a focus on efficiency over ethics
expediency = expedi<speed, facilitate> + ency<noun suffix>
- expedi: Derived from Latin expedire ("to free from impediments, prepare, hasten"), combining ex- ("out") + pes ("foot"). Originally implied freeing one's feet from obstacles, later extended to mean efficiency.
- ency: A noun-forming suffix indicating a state or quality (e.g., "urgency," "frequency").
Etymology Origin:
The word traces back to the Latin expedire, which literally meant "to free the feet" (from ex- "out" + pes "foot"). This vivid imagery of removing physical obstacles evolved metaphorically to signify efficiency in action. By the 17th century, "expediency" acquired its modern sense of prioritizing practicality, sometimes at the expense of ethical considerations. The suffix -ency solidifies it as an abstract noun denoting a quality.
The government prioritized expediency over due process, sparking public outrage.
In wartime, decisions are often made based on expediency rather than long-term strategy.
The manager chose the path of expediency to meet the tight deadline.
Critics argued that the policy was a short-sighted act of political expediency.
Expediency should never compromise fundamental principles of justice.