expedient Meaning, Definition & Usage

  1. noun a means to an end; not necessarily a principled or ethical one
  2. adjective serving to promote your interest
    • was merciful only when mercy was expedient
  3. adjective satellite appropriate to a purpose; practical
    • in the circumstances it was expedient to express loyalty

WordNet

Ex*pe"di*ent adjective
Etymology
L. expediens, -entis, p. pr. of expedire to be expedient, release, extricate: cf. F. expédient. See Expedite.
Definitions
  1. Hastening or forward; hence, tending to further or promote a proposed object; fit or proper under the circumstances; conducive to self-interest; desirable; advisable; advantageous; -- sometimes contradistinguished from right.
    It is expedient for you that I go away. John xvi. 7.
    Nothing but the right can ever be expedient, since that can never be true expediency which would sacrifice a greater good to a less. Whately.
  2. Quick; expeditious. Obs.
    His marches are expedient to this town. Shak.
Ex*pe"di*ent noun
Definitions
  1. That which serves to promote or advance; suitable means to accomplish an end.
    What sure expedient than shall Juno find, To calm her fears and ease her boding mind? Philips.
  2. Means devised in an exigency; shift. Syn. -- Shift; contrivance; resource; substitute.

Webster 1913