Expedient — Meaning, Definition & Synonyms

adjective noun /ik-ˈspē-dē-ənt/ ex·pe·di·ent

Meaning & Definition of Expedient

Expedient (adjective)

  1. suitable for achieving a particular end in a given circumstance
  2. characterized by concern with what is opportune; especially, governed by self-interest

Expedient (noun)

  1. something done or used to achieve a particular end usually quickly or temporarily, an expedient action or solution

Expedient (adjective) — Senses, Synonyms & Antonyms

  1. suitable for bringing about a desired result under the circumstances

    "made the expedient decision to sell the land to whomever offered the most money"

    similar: advisable, desirable, judicious, politic, prudent, tactical, wise
    related: advantageous, beneficial, profitable, useful, utilitarian, feasible, possible, practicable, practical, opportune, seasonable, timely, opportunistic, self-seeking
    opposite: impolitic, imprudent, inadvisable, inexpedient, injudicious, unwise
    near: impractical, profitless, unfeasible, unprofitable, inopportune, unseasonable, untimely

Expedient (noun) — Senses, Synonyms & Antonyms

  1. a temporary replacement

    "if you're a spectator caught without rainwear at a sporting event, then a plastic garbage bag makes an acceptable, if unfashionable, expedient"

    similar: makeshift, stopgap
    related: quick fix, recourse, refuge, resort, alternate, backup, standby, stand-in, substitute, understudy

  2. an action planned or taken to achieve a desired result

    "he vowed to use any expedient available to get the project done on time"

    similar: means, measure, move, shift, step
    related: act, action, deed, doing, feat, thing, course, procedure, proceeding, process, accomplishment, achievement, attainment, coup, exploit, success, triumph, activity, affair, business, dealing, enterprise, event, attempt, crack, endeavor, essay, fling, go, initiative, operation, pass, shot, stab, trial, try, undertaking, whack, effort, exertion, labor, pains, trouble, while, work, project, proposal, proposition, makeshift, resort, resource, stopgap, countermeasure, countermove, counterstep

  3. something that one uses to accomplish an end especially when the usual means is not available

    "since there wasn't a single bandage left in our backpacks, we had to use a bandanna, our only expedient"

    similar: recourse, resort, resource
    related: hope, opportunity, possibility, relief, makeshift, replacement, stopgap, substitute

Synonyms, Thesaurus & Another Word for Expedient

The most common words with a similar meaning to Expedient:

advisable, desirable, judicious, politic, prudent, tactical, wise, makeshift, stopgap, means, measure, move, shift, step, recourse, resort, resource

Antonyms & Opposite Words for Expedient

Words with the opposite meaning of Expedient:

impolitic, imprudent, inadvisable, inexpedient, injudicious, unwise

Related Words for Expedient

advantageous, beneficial, profitable, useful, utilitarian, feasible, possible, practicable, practical, opportune, seasonable, timely, opportunistic, self-seeking, quick fix, refuge, alternate, backup, standby, stand-in, substitute, understudy, act, action, deed, doing, feat, thing, course, procedure

Near Antonyms of Expedient

impractical, profitless, unfeasible, unprofitable, inopportune, unseasonable, untimely

Word Forms of Expedient

Derived words: expediently (adverb)

Origin & Etymology of Expedient

Middle English, from Anglo-French or Latin; Anglo-French, from Latin expedient-, expendiens, present participle of expedire to extricate, prepare, be useful, from ex- + ped-, pes foot foot

First known use: 14th century

Frequently Asked Questions about Expedient

What does "Expedient" mean?

"Expedient" means suitable for achieving a particular end in a given circumstance. As an an adjective and a noun, it is defined as: suitable for achieving a particular end in a given circumstance. It has 4 distinct senses.

What is another word for "Expedient"?

Other words for "Expedient" include advisable, desirable, judicious, politic, prudent, tactical, wise and makeshift. The best synonym depends on which meaning of "Expedient" you intend.

What are different ways to say "Expedient"?

There are 95 words and phrases with a similar meaning to "Expedient". Common alternatives include advisable, desirable, judicious, politic, prudent, tactical, wise, makeshift, stopgap and means.

What is the opposite of "Expedient"?

Antonyms of "Expedient" include impolitic, imprudent, inadvisable, inexpedient, injudicious and unwise. Near antonyms include impractical, profitless, unfeasible and unprofitable.

How do you use "Expedient" in a sentence?

Examples of "Expedient" in a sentence: "made the expedient decision to sell the land to whomever offered the most money"; "if you're a spectator caught without rainwear at a sporting event, then a plastic garbage bag makes an acceptable, if unfashionable, expedient"; "he vowed to use any expedient available to get the project done on time".

Is "Expedient" a noun, verb, or adjective?

"Expedient" can be used as an adjective and a noun, depending on the context.

How do you pronounce "Expedient"?

"Expedient" is pronounced /ik-ˈspē-dē-ənt/ and divided into syllables as ex·pe·di·ent.

What is the origin of the word "Expedient"?

"Expedient" comes from Middle English, from Anglo-French or Latin; Anglo-French, from Latin expedient-, expendiens, present participle of expedire to extricate, prepare, be useful, from ex- + ped-, pes foot foot. First known use: 14th century.