What does expeditious mean?
Expeditious is an adjective describing actions or processes that are both fast and efficient — completed promptly, without wasted time or effort. It derives from the Latin verb expedire, meaning "to free from entanglement" or "to get ready," which also gives us expedite and expedition. Unlike words that suggest mere haste, expeditious implies that the work was done properly as well as quickly, making it a favorite of business correspondence, legal writing, and official statements: an expeditious review, an expeditious resolution, an expeditious reply. Its tone is distinctly formal; in casual conversation a speaker would more likely say quick, speedy, or prompt. The adverb expeditiously and noun expeditiousness round out the family. For writers who want to praise efficiency with a touch of polish, expeditious is a precise and elegant choice.
adjectiveDone or carried out with speed and efficiency; prompt and effective in achieving a result.
- (Of an action, process, or person) characterized by speed and efficiency; done without delay.
"The committee promised an expeditious review of all applications."
"The court's expeditious handling of the case impressed even the defense attorneys."
"We appreciate your expeditious response to our request."
"Expedite" comes from the Latin for "to free the feet" — so when you're expeditious, you're literally unshackled and moving fast.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Etymology of expeditious
Expeditious entered English in the early 17th century, derived from the Latin adjective expedītus, meaning "unimpeded" or "ready for action," itself the past participle of expedīre — literally "to free the feet" (from ex- "out of" + pes/pedis, "foot"). A soldier whose feet were freed was ready to march, hence the sense of readiness and speed. The same Latin root produced expedite and expedition, making these close cousins of expeditious.
Related word forms
How expeditious is actually used
Expeditious is a formal word, most at home in business, legal, and official contexts. It carries a positive connotation, implying not just speed but competence — something done quickly *and* well.
Easily confused with expeditious
'Expedient' means convenient or advantageous under the circumstances (often with a hint of self-interest), while 'expeditious' means simply fast and efficient.