What does expediently mean?
Expediently is an adverb describing action taken because it is convenient or advantageous in the moment, frequently with the implication that principle, honesty, or long-term benefit has been set aside. A government that expediently delays an unpopular decision, for example, is acting out of short-term advantage rather than conviction. The word derives from the Latin expedire, meaning to disentangle or make ready, and belongs to the same family as 'expedient', 'expediency', and 'expedite'. Although it can neutrally mean promptly or efficiently, that sense overlaps with 'expeditiously', which most writers prefer when no hint of opportunism is intended. As a result, 'expediently' has become a favourite of political commentators and critics: calling conduct expedient is a measured but pointed way of accusing someone of putting convenience above integrity. It appears chiefly in formal writing — journalism, political analysis, and institutional prose — where its quiet reproach lands harder than outright accusation.
In a manner that is convenient or advantageous in the circumstances, often at the expense of principle.
"He expediently changed his position once public opinion shifted."
Often carries a pejorative connotation of opportunism.
Promptly and efficiently; without delay.
"The matter was expediently resolved within a week."
This sense is less common today; 'expeditiously' is usually preferred.
To act expediently is to choose the path of least resistance — a word that quietly accuses you while pretending to praise your efficiency.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Etymology of expediently
Expediently comes from 'expedient', which entered English from Latin expediens, the present participle of expedire ('to free from entanglement, make ready'), formed from ex- ('out') plus pes/pedis ('foot') — literally 'to free the feet'. The adverbial form developed alongside the adjective, with senses of both 'conveniently, suitably' and 'promptly'. Cognates sharing the foot root include 'expedite', 'expedition', and 'impede', all ultimately tracing back to Latin ped-.
Related word forms
How expediently is actually used
The word frequently carries a pejorative shade: describing someone as acting 'expediently' suggests self-interest, opportunism, or moral flexibility rather than mere practicality. In its neutral sense of 'promptly', many writers prefer 'expeditiously' to avoid this ambiguity. Register is largely formal — common in political commentary, journalism, and legal or business writing.
Easily confused with expediently
'Expeditiously' means quickly and efficiently, while 'expediently' often carries the negative connotation of doing whatever is convenient regardless of principle.