expedient

[ ik-spee-dee-uhnt ]
/ ɪkˈspi di ənt /

adjective

tending to promote some proposed or desired object; fit or suitable for the purpose; proper under the circumstances: It is expedient that you go.
conducive to advantage or interest, as opposed to right.
acting in accordance with expediency, or what is advantageous.

noun

a means to an end: The ladder was a useful expedient for getting to the second floor.
a means devised or employed in an exigency; resource; shift: Use any expedients you think necessary to get over the obstacles in your way.

Origin of expedient

1350–1400; Middle English < Latin expedient- (stem of expediēns), present participle of expedīre. See expedite, -ent

OTHER WORDS FROM expedient

Example sentences from the Web for expedient

British Dictionary definitions for expedient

expedient
/ (ɪkˈspiːdɪənt) /

adjective

suitable to the circumstances; appropriate
inclined towards methods or means that are advantageous rather than fair or just

noun Also: expediency

something suitable or appropriate, esp something used during an urgent situation

Derived forms of expedient

expediently, adverb

Word Origin for expedient

C14: from Latin expediēns setting free; see expedite