expediency

noun

ex·​pe·​di·​en·​cy ik-ˈspē-dē-ən(t)-sē How to pronounce expediency (audio)
plural expediencies
1
: the quality or state of being suited to the end in view : suitability, fitness
2
obsolete
b
: an enterprise requiring haste or caution
3
: adherence to expedient means and methods
put more emphasis on expediency than on principleW. H. Jones
4
: a means of achieving a particular end : expedient
expediential adjective

Examples of expediency in a Sentence

the expediency of such a plan is questionable
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Built for expediency Texas Children's emergency department is next door to its urgent care. Nicole Villalpando, Austin American-Statesman, 2 Feb. 2024 The Trump campaign, and Vance in particular, need to answer and be held accountable for dangerous, racist lies for political expediency. Bill Goodykoontz, The Arizona Republic, 27 Sep. 2024 At one level, the book is a work of contemporary history, telling the story of an ongoing global political crisis—a chaotic spectacle of uncertainty, fear, and political expediency in which multilateral cooperation quickly gave way to nationalism, populism, and great-power rivalry. Colin Kahl and Thomas Wright, Foreign Affairs, 14 Dec. 2021 There are folks across the country sounding alarms, for political expediency, that are frankly unjustified. Laura Gersony, The Arizona Republic, 6 Sep. 2024 See all Example Sentences for expediency 

Word History

First Known Use

1597, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of expediency was in 1597

Dictionary Entries Near expediency

Cite this Entry

“Expediency.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/expediency. Accessed 28 Nov. 2024.

Kids Definition

expediency

noun
ex·​pe·​di·​en·​cy ik-ˈspēd-ē-ən-sē How to pronounce expediency (audio)
plural expediencies
: the use of expedient means and methods

More from Merriam-Webster on expediency

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!