English vocabulary · C1
Expedient
/ɪkˈspiːdiənt/ · adj., n.
An expedient choice helps you get what you want now. It may solve your problem fast, but it may not be right or good for later.
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Example sentences
- The expedient path saved time.
- We paid cash; it was expedient.
Word origin and roots
from Latin
- ex — out (from Latin)
- ped — foot (from Latin)
Synonyms and nuances
- USEFUL — helps you do something (Helps a purpose)
- HANDY — useful and easy to use (Easy to use now)
- PRACTICAL — likely to work well (Works in real life)
Words with the same root
ped — foot
- pedal — a part pushed with your foot
- impede — slow or block progress
- expedite — make something happen sooner
Lesson notes
An expedient choice helps you get what you want now. It may solve your problem fast, but it may not be right or good for later.
Related: useful, handy, practical. Use expedient when quick gains come first.
The expedient path saved time. We paid cash; it was expedient.
From Latin. ex- means out. ped- means foot. One foot out of trouble: that choice is expedient.