expediency
noun
ex·pe·di·en·cy
ik-ˈspē-dē-ən(t)-sē 
plural expediencies
1
: the quality or state of being suited to the end in view : suitability, fitness
3
: adherence to expedient means and methods
put more emphasis on expediency than on principle—
W. H. Jones
W. H. Jones4
: a means of achieving a particular end : expedient
Synonyms
Examples of expediency in a Sentence
the expediency of such a plan is questionable
Recent Examples on the Web
The defendants' lack of expediency was a breach of the standard of care.
—Christina Hall, Detroit Free Press, 2 Apr. 2024
Critics accused him of pursuing narrow self-interest and political expediency.
—Susan Haigh, Fortune, 28 Mar. 2024
Courtesy of Nowon These chefs are building on the distinctly American culinary tradition of burger patties smashed flat for expediency and flavor.
—Sam Stone, Bon Appétit, 6 Mar. 2024
Voters are pretty cynical themselves and aren’t shocked when politicians veer to the low road for expediency.
—George Skelton, Los Angeles Times, 6 Mar. 2024
To manipulate the size of the court for the political expediency of any one side not only erodes the court’s independence but threatens the stability of and trust in our democracy.
—Letters To The Editor, The Mercury News, 5 Mar. 2024
But your husband and mother-in-law are both choosing expediency all the way to misery.
—Carolyn Hax, Washington Post, 11 Feb. 2024
Yet an ethos of pure expediency is fraught with dangers, from domestic disillusion to the loss of the moral asymmetry that has long amplified U.S. influence in global affairs.
—Hal Brands, Foreign Affairs, 20 Feb. 2024
The issues of corruption, race and political expediency — these things are going to take some time.
—Garret K. Woodward, SPIN, 3 Feb. 2024
Christina Hall, Detroit Free Press, 2 Apr. 2024
Critics accused him of pursuing narrow self-interest and political expediency.
—Susan Haigh, Fortune, 28 Mar. 2024
Courtesy of Nowon These chefs are building on the distinctly American culinary tradition of burger patties smashed flat for expediency and flavor.
—Sam Stone, Bon Appétit, 6 Mar. 2024
Voters are pretty cynical themselves and aren’t shocked when politicians veer to the low road for expediency.
—George Skelton, Los Angeles Times, 6 Mar. 2024
To manipulate the size of the court for the political expediency of any one side not only erodes the court’s independence but threatens the stability of and trust in our democracy.
—Letters To The Editor, The Mercury News, 5 Mar. 2024
But your husband and mother-in-law are both choosing expediency all the way to misery.
—Carolyn Hax, Washington Post, 11 Feb. 2024
Yet an ethos of pure expediency is fraught with dangers, from domestic disillusion to the loss of the moral asymmetry that has long amplified U.S. influence in global affairs.
—Hal Brands, Foreign Affairs, 20 Feb. 2024
The issues of corruption, race and political expediency — these things are going to take some time.
—Garret K. Woodward, SPIN, 3 Feb. 2024
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'expediency.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Dictionary Entries Near expediency
Cite this Entry
“Expediency.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/expediency. Accessed 20 Apr. 2024.
Copy CitationKids Definition
expediency
noun
ex·pe·di·en·cy
ik-ˈspēd-ē-ən-sē
plural expediencies
: the use of expedient means and methods
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