Expedient

An 'expedient' action or method is one that is convenient and practical, although it may not be morally right or fair. It prioritizes achieving a particular goal or outcome, often in a quick or efficient manner, sometimes at the expense of other considerations. The focus is on what works best in a given situation, even if it involves a compromise of principles. Expediency emphasizes practical consequences over ethical ones, reflecting a pragmatic approach. Its use often suggests a sense of urgency or a calculated trade-off.

Expedient meaning with examples

• Faced with a critical deadline, the company took the expedient route of outsourcing the project, even though it meant a significant reduction in quality control and the loss of skilled employees. It chose efficiency over internal expertise.
• The politician's expedient decision to change his stance on an important issue was made to gain public support before the upcoming election. He valued electoral success over consistency with his long-held beliefs.
• Using the suspect's illegally obtained confession was an expedient method that brought justice to the victim’s family, but undermined legal principles. It traded short-term results for due process.
• To ensure a quick recovery of the economy after a major financial crisis, governments often use the expedient method of fiscal stimulus and bailouts. These are seen as pragmatic and helpful for quick change.