expedience

/ɛkˈspidiəns/

Other forms: expediences

Having the quality of expedience means that something is efficient and gets results — but it's not necessarily ethical.

If a business owner prioritizes expedience, that means she neglects things like safe working conditions and quality products in order to produce goods quickly and make a fast profit. In politics, expedience can mean making false promises or using short-term solutions to deeper problems, with the aim of getting elected (or reelected). "Filling those potholes right before election day looks to me like political expedience on the Mayor's part."

Definitions of expedience

1. noun

   the quality of being suited to the end in view
   synonyms: expediency

   antonyms:

   inexpedience

   the quality of being unsuited to the end in view

   type of:

   advantage, vantage

   the quality of having a superior or more favorable position
2. noun

   taking advantage of opportunities without regard for the consequences for others
   synonyms: opportunism, self-interest, self-seeking

   type of:

   selfishness

   stinginess resulting from a concern for your own welfare and a disregard of others