inexpedient
UK: ˌɪnɪkˈspiːdiənt | US: ˌɪnɪkˈspiːdiənt
adj. not suitable or advisable for achieving a particular purpose; impractical or unwise
inexpedient = in<not> + expedient<suitable>
- in: A prefix meaning "not," derived from Latin in-.
- expedient: From Latin expedient- (stem of expediens), meaning "suitable" or "advantageous," itself from ex- (out) + pes (foot), metaphorically suggesting "freeing the feet" (i.e., removing obstacles).
Etymology Origin:
The word combines the negative prefix in- with expedient, which originally implied practicality (freeing movement). Over time, expedient shifted to mean "convenient but possibly unethical," while inexpedient retained a neutral sense of "unsuitable." The logic reflects Latin roots of hindrance (in-) versus readiness (expedient).
Delaying the project now would be politically inexpedient.
His inexpedient decision led to unnecessary complications.
The proposal was rejected as financially inexpedient.
Wearing formal attire to the beach is highly inexpedient.
Critics argued the policy was morally inexpedient.