Expedience

/ɪkˈspiːdɪəns/ noun

Definition

The quality of being convenient or advantageous, especially when it's done for practical reasons rather than moral ones.

Etymology

From Old French 'expedience,' derived from Latin 'expediens' (present participle of 'expedire'). The meaning shifted from 'making progress' to 'being useful or convenient,' often with a hint of taking shortcuts.

Kelly Says

In politics and ethics, 'expedience' is the villain's choice—it's what happens when someone picks what's fast and easy instead of what's right, and philosophers have debated this tension for centuries.

Related Words

Explore More Words

Get the Word Orb API

Complete word intelligence in one call. Free tier — 50 lookups/day.