What does expeditiously mean?
Expeditiously is a formal adverb meaning in a quick and efficient manner — doing something promptly, without unnecessary delay, and typically with competence. Derived from the Latin expedire, meaning to free from entanglement or make ready, the word carries connotations not just of speed but of smooth, well-managed dispatch. It appears most frequently in legal documents, official correspondence, government reports, and business communication, where phrases such as "act expeditiously" or "resolved expeditiously" are standard. Because of its length and formality, it is rarely used in casual speech, where "quickly" or "fast" would be more natural. Yet its precision makes it valuable: it signals both urgency and efficiency, distinguishing itself from words that suggest haste alone. For writers and professionals who want to convey that something was handled swiftly and properly — not merely rushed — expeditiously remains an indispensable choice.
adverbIn a manner that is done quickly and efficiently; with promptness and without delay.
- In a quick and efficient manner; with speed and effectiveness.
"The committee worked expeditiously to finalize the report before the deadline."
"The appeals court ruled expeditiously, issuing its decision within days."
"She expeditiously cleared the backlog of emails before lunch."
Despite its formal tone, "expeditiously" is one of the most beloved long words among word lovers — it packs six syllables of pure efficiency into a single adverb.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Etymology of expeditiously
Expeditiously derives from the Latin verb expedire, formed from ex- ("out") and pes/pedis ("foot"), originally meaning to free one's feet from fetters or entanglement and by extension to make ready or set forward. English adopted the adjective expeditious in the early modern period, and the adverb followed as a natural derivation. It shares this root with expedition, expedite, and expedient, all carrying the core sense of readiness and forward motion.
Related word forms
How expeditiously is actually used
Register is formal to legal/official. Common in legal, governmental, and business writing. Slightly elevated compared to everyday alternatives like "quickly."
Easily confused with expeditiously
"Expeditiously" means quickly and efficiently, while "expediently" means in a way that is convenient or advantageous, often at the expense of principle.