expedient
UK: ɪkˈspiːdiənt | US: ɪkˈspiːdiənt
adj. suitable for achieving a particular purpose, often disregarding moral considerations
n. a means of achieving an end, especially one that is convenient but possibly improper
expedient = ex<out> + ped<foot> + ient<adjective suffix>
- ex (Latin: "out of, from")
- ped (Latin: "foot," symbolizing movement or progress)
- ient (adjective-forming suffix indicating "tending to" or "characterized by")
Etymology Origin:
Derived from Latin expedire ("to free from entanglement, prepare, dispatch"), combining ex- ("out") + pes ("foot"). The original sense was "freeing the feet," evolving metaphorically to mean "freeing from difficulty" or "practical for achieving a goal." By the 17th century, it acquired connotations of self-interest or moral flexibility.
The mayor chose an expedient solution to avoid public backlash.
Lying might seem expedient in the short term, but it harms trust.
The committee debated whether the policy was principled or merely expedient.
He used every expedient to secure the contract.
In emergencies, expedient decisions often override idealistic ones.