expedient


Pronunciation key

( ik-spē′di-ənt )

ex•pe•di•ent

adj.

[ME.; OFr.; < L. expediens, ppr. of expedire to make ready, see EXPEDITE].

  1. Appropriate for a particular purpose. Useful to effect a desired result; suited for a specific situation or circumstance; advantageous; convenient.
  2. Guided by self-interest. Serving to promote a self-interest. An action based on what is of an advantage rather than what is just or right. An action marked by its concern for political interest or policy rather than on principle; advisable.
  3. Obs. Expeditious, speed.

n.

  1. Means to an end. A thing which is used to accomplish a purpose.
  2. Contrivance or device used in an emergency; makeshift; resource.

ex•pe′di•ent•ly adv.

Syn. resource.

References

  • Webster's New World Dictionary of the American Language (College Edition) ©1955
  • The American Heritage Dictionary, Second College Edition ©1985

    • Further Reading

  • expedience
  • expediency
  • expediential
  • expedite
  • expediter
  • expedition
  • expeditionary
  • expeditious

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