Expedient Meaning in English

word

US

UK

Definition

Something that is convenient and effective for achieving a goal, even if it is not always the best or most moral choice.

Usage & Nuances

Often formal or academic. Can imply that something is chosen for practical reasons rather than ethical ones. Common in phrases like 'politically expedient.' Usually refers to actions or solutions that are quick and effective, but possibly questionable.

• Spanish: conveniente - oportuno - útil (aunque no siempre moral)
• Portuguese (BR): conveniente - oportuno - recomendável (nem sempre ético)
• Portuguese (PT): conveniente - oportuno - expedito (nem sempre ético)
• Chinese (Simplified): 权宜之计 - 方便的做法
• Chinese (Traditional): 權宜之計 - 方便的做法
• Hindi: उपयुक्त - तात्कालिक (ज़रूरी नहीं कि नैतिक हो)
• Arabic: ملائم - مناسب (أحيانًا غير أخلاقي)
• Bengali: উপযোগী - সুবিধাজনক (নৈতিকভাবে প্রশ্নবিদ্ধ)
• Russian: целесообразный - выгодный (морально сомнительный)
• Japanese: 得策 - 便宜な（倫理的に疑わしい）
• Vietnamese: tiện lợi - thích hợp (đôi khi không đạo đức)
• Korean: 편의적인 - 임시방편의
• Turkish: uygun - çıkarcı (etik açısından tartışmalı)
• Urdu: مصلحت بخش - وقتی اخلاقی نہ ہو
• Indonesian: praktis - menguntungkan (kurang etis)

Example Sentences

Choosing the most expedient option saved us time.

basic

He took the expedient way out of the problem.

basic

It was expedient to finish the work quickly.

basic

The manager chose the most expedient solution instead of the most fair one.

natural

Sometimes politicians make expedient decisions to stay popular.

natural

It may not be the right thing, but it’s certainly expedient under pressure.

natural