expedient
Adjective
Medium difficulty
What does “expedient” mean?
adjective.(of an action) convenient and practical although possibly improper or immoral.
SAT Usage
this term often appears in passages discussing ethics, decision-making, or political strategy, highlighting choices that prioritize short-term benefits over moral considerations. It emphasizes a pragmatic approach that may compromise integrity, contrasting with words like "righteous" or "ethical," which suggest a commitment to moral principles.
Common Confusions
Expedient implies a focus on convenience and practicality often at the expense of ethics, while prudent usually suggests careful consideration and wisdom in decision-making that respects moral principles.
Example Sentences
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Most people, faced with a decision, will choose the most expedient option.
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While it was not the most ethical choice, the manager found it expedient to cut corners to meet the tight deadline imposed by the client.
Word Parts: How to Remember “expedient”
Break “expedient” into its parts: ex- (out of, from). Knowing roots like these helps you decode unfamiliar SAT vocabulary.
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Prefix:
ex-out of, from (Latin)