Expedient vs. Expeditious — What's the Difference?
By Tayyaba Rehman & Urooj Arif — Updated on April 1, 2024
Expedient refers to actions that are convenient and practical despite possibly being improper or immoral, whereas expeditious is about speed and efficiency in performance or process.
Difference Between Expedient and Expeditious
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
Expedient actions are often chosen for their practicality and immediate benefits, regardless of ethical considerations. Whereas, expeditious actions prioritize quickness and efficiency, focusing on the speed of achieving a goal without necessarily compromising moral standards.
Expedient solutions may be adopted in situations where immediate results are more valued than long-term consequences. On the other hand, expeditious methods are employed when the goal is to accomplish tasks or reach decisions swiftly, without delay.
While expedient measures might sometimes involve shortcuts or compromises on ethical principles, expeditious approaches aim to streamline processes without cutting corners in terms of integrity and quality.
Expedient strategies are frequently utilized in political or business decisions where the end justifies the means. Meanwhile, expeditiousness is valued in operations management and project completion, where time is of the essence.
The choice between expedient and expeditious can reflect one's priorities—whether the immediate practicality and convenience of an action outweigh its moral implications, or whether efficiency and speed are pursued without ethical compromise.
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Comparison Chart
Definition
Actions taken for convenience, practicality, possibly at ethical cost.
Actions characterized by speed and efficiency, with moral integrity.
Ethical Implications
May involve moral compromises.
Maintains moral and ethical standards.
Usage Context
Often used in politics, business strategies.
Common in operations, project management.
Focus
On immediate benefits, practicality.
On achieving goals quickly, efficiently.
Outcome
Short-term solutions, potentially problematic long-term.
Timely completion without compromising quality or ethics.
Compare with Definitions
Expedient
Politically advantageous.
The legislation was seen as expedient rather than just.
Expeditious
Speedy completion without delay.
The project was completed in an expeditious manner.
Expedient
Serving one's immediate interests.
The expedient fix only delayed the inevitable failure.
Expeditious
Promptness in performance.
Her expeditious work ethic impressed her superiors.
Expedient
Practical considerations over principles.
They chose the most expedient route, ignoring the risks.
Expeditious
Quick and efficient in action.
The team’s expeditious handling of the crisis averted disaster.
Expedient
Designed for quick and easy solutions.
Using the expedient of outsourcing to cut costs was controversial.
Expeditious
Acting with speed and efficiency.
Their expeditious response saved valuable time.
Expedient
Convenient but possibly improper.
The mayor’s expedient decision raised ethical questions.
Expeditious
Efficient time management.
Expeditious planning enabled the early launch.
Expedient
(of an action) convenient and practical although possibly improper or immoral
Either side could break the agreement if it were expedient to do so
Expeditious
Done with speed and efficiency
An expeditious investigation
Expedient
A means of attaining an end, especially one that is convenient but possibly improper or immoral
The current policy is a political expedient
Expeditious
Acting or done with speed and efficiency.
Expedient
Suitable or efficient for accomplishing a purpose
Thought email was the most expedient way to communicate with distant relatives.
Expeditious
Fast, prompt, speedy.
Expedient
Convenient but based on a concern for self-interest rather than principle
Changed his position when it was politically expedient.
Expeditious
(of a process or thing) Completed or done with efficiency and speed; facilitating speed.
Expedient
(Obsolete) Speedy; expeditious.
Expeditious
Possessed of, or characterized by, expedition, or efficiency and rapidity in action; performed with, or acting with, expedition; quick; having celerity; speedily; as, an expeditious march or messenger.
Expedient
Something that is a means to an end, especially when based on self-interest
Compromised only as an expedient to boost his career.
Expeditious
Characterized by speed and efficiency
Expedient
Something contrived or used to meet an urgent need
Exhausted every expedient before filing a lawsuit.
Expedient
Suitable to effect some desired end or the purpose intended.
Most people, faced with a decision, will choose the most expedient option.
Expedient
Affording short-term benefit, often at the expense of the long-term.
Expedient
Governed by self-interest, often short-term self-interest.
Expedient
(obsolete) Expeditious, quick, rapid.
Expedient
A method or means for achieving a particular result, especially when direct or efficient; a resource.
Expedient
Hastening or forward; hence, tending to further or promote a proposed object; fit or proper under the circumstances; conducive to self-interest; desirable; advisable; advantageous; - sometimes contradistinguished from right or principled.
It is expedient for you that I go away.
Nothing but the right can ever be expedient, since that can never be true expediency which would sacrifice a greater good to a less.
Expedient
Quick; expeditious.
His marches are expedient to this town.
Expedient
That which serves to promote or advance; suitable means to accomplish an end.
What sure expedient than shall Juno find,To calm her fears and ease her boding mind?
Expedient
Means devised in an exigency; shift.
Expedient
A means to an end; not necessarily a principled or ethical one
Expedient
Serving to promote your interest;
Was merciful only when mercy was expedient
Expedient
Appropriate to a purpose; practical;
In the circumstances it was expedient to express loyalty
Common Curiosities
Can an action be both expedient and expeditious?
While rare, some actions can be both expedient (practical for immediate needs) and expeditious (carried out swiftly), depending on the context and intent.
Is being expedient a negative trait?
Being expedient can be viewed negatively if it involves ethical compromises or shortcuts at the expense of long-term outcomes.
How do expeditious methods impact productivity?
Expeditious methods enhance productivity by streamlining processes and reducing time to achieve goals, without sacrificing quality or ethical standards.
What does it mean to be expedient?
Being expedient means choosing a course of action that is convenient and practical, possibly at the cost of ethics or propriety.
What is the difference between expedient and expeditious decisions in business?
Expedient decisions in business may prioritize immediate gains, possibly at ethical costs, whereas expeditious decisions focus on quick, efficient achievement of goals with integrity.
What does expeditious mean?
Expeditious refers to doing something with speed and efficiency, focusing on achieving results quickly without compromising on standards.
Is it better to be expedient or expeditious in emergency situations?
In emergency situations, being expeditious is generally better, as it emphasizes quick, efficient actions without compromising ethical standards or safety.
Why might someone choose an expedient solution?
Someone might choose an expedient solution for its immediate benefits, especially in situations demanding quick fixes or under pressure.
Can an expedient solution be justified if it leads to a positive outcome?
An expedient solution can be justified if it leads to a positive outcome, but this often depends on the ethical framework and the potential for negative long-term effects.
How do expedient and expeditious approaches differ in problem-solving?
Expedient approaches in problem-solving might opt for the quickest or most convenient solution, whereas expeditious approaches seek the fastest way to solve a problem without compromising principles.
Can expedient actions lead to long-term problems?
Yes, expedient actions, due to their short-term focus and potential ethical compromises, can lead to long-term problems or unintended consequences.
How do cultural perceptions affect the view of expedient actions?
Cultural perceptions can significantly influence how expedient actions are viewed, with some cultures valuing practicality and others prioritizing ethical considerations.
How does being expeditious benefit project management?
Being expeditious in project management helps in completing tasks within deadlines, optimizing workflows, and maintaining high standards of quality.
Do expeditious actions always guarantee quality outcomes?
While expeditious actions aim for quality outcomes by being efficient and timely, the guarantee of quality also depends on the planning, resources, and execution of the task.
Can a strategy be both expedient and expeditious in a positive sense?
A strategy can be both expedient and expeditious in a positive sense if it efficiently addresses immediate needs without ethical compromises, although such cases are exceptional.
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Written by
Tayyaba RehmanTayyaba Rehman is a distinguished writer, currently serving as a primary contributor to askdifference.com. As a researcher in semantics and etymology, Tayyaba's passion for the complexity of languages and their distinctions has found a perfect home on the platform. Tayyaba delves into the intricacies of language, distinguishing between commonly confused words and phrases, thereby providing clarity for readers worldwide.
Co-written by
Urooj ArifUrooj is a skilled content writer at Ask Difference, known for her exceptional ability to simplify complex topics into engaging and informative content. With a passion for research and a flair for clear, concise writing, she consistently delivers articles that resonate with our diverse audience.
