Expedite vs. Expedient — What's the Difference?
Edited by Tayyaba Rehman — By Urooj Arif — Updated on April 27, 2024
Expedite means to speed up a process, focusing on efficiency, while expedient refers to something convenient and practical, though possibly improper.
Difference Between Expedite and Expedient
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
Expedite involves accelerating the progress or completion of a task or process, emphasizing a quicker achievement of goals. On the other hand, expedient describes a method or solution that is quick and effective but often overlooks ethical or best practices considerations in favor of immediate convenience.
In the business context, managers may expedite a project to meet urgent deadlines, applying additional resources and effort. Whereas, they might choose an expedient solution, like cutting corners, to achieve similar timely results, prioritizing speed over thoroughness.
Expedite is commonly used in administrative and logistical scenarios, where reducing the time taken to complete tasks is crucial. Conversely, expedient is frequently associated with decisions made under pressure, where the primary goal is to resolve a situation with the most straightforward approach available.
The use of expedite is generally viewed positively, as it implies a dedication to efficiency and productivity. In contrast, the term expedient can carry a negative connotation, suggesting a preference for temporary fixes rather than long-term solutions.
For processes that require fast-tracking, such as shipping or project phases, expediting is essential for success. Meanwhile, using expedients may be suitable in crisis management where immediate action is necessary, despite potential compromises on quality or ethics.
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Comparison Chart
Definition
To speed up the process
Convenient and practical solution
Connotation
Positive, efficient
Often negative, pragmatic
Usage
Logistical, administrative
Decision-making, strategy
Focus
Efficiency in processes
Practicality in solutions
Implication
Commitment to goals
Possible ethical compromise
Compare with Definitions
Expedite
To hasten the movement or progress of something.
Special measures were taken to expedite the delivery of relief goods.
Expedient
Serving as a temporary means to an end.
Using the outdated software was only an expedient until the new system was ready.
Expedite
To dispatch or send off promptly.
The documents were expedited to the office for immediate processing.
Expedient
Suitable for achieving a particular end in a given circumstance.
It was considered expedient to postpone the meeting.
Expedite
To make (an action or process) happen sooner or be accomplished more quickly.
They decided to expedite the construction by adding more workers.
Expedient
Convenient and practical, although possibly improper or immoral.
Choosing a cheaper supplier was an expedient, but risky, decision.
Expedite
To speed up procedures or processes.
The new software is designed to expedite data entry and analysis.
Expedient
Acting in self-interest rather than on principle.
The manager’s decision was seen as expedient, ignoring long-term effects.
Expedite
To accelerate the progress of something.
The company expedited the product launch to capitalize on the market trend.
Expedient
(noun) A means of attaining an end, especially one that is convenient but considered improper.
Resorting to layoffs was an expedient to cut costs.
Expedite
Make (an action or process) happen sooner or be accomplished more quickly
He promised to expedite economic reforms
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
Expedite
To speed up the progress of or execute quickly
Expedite the review of a legal case.
Expedite a loan application.
Expedient
A means of attaining an end, especially one that is convenient but possibly improper or immoral
The current policy is a political expedient
Expedite
(transitive) To accelerate the progress of.
He expedited the search by alphabetizing the papers.
Expedient
Suitable or efficient for accomplishing a purpose
Thought email was the most expedient way to communicate with distant relatives.
Expedite
To perform (a task) fast and efficiently.
Expedient
Convenient but based on a concern for self-interest rather than principle
Changed his position when it was politically expedient.
Expedite
To perform the duties of an expediter.
Expedient
(Obsolete) Speedy; expeditious.
Expedite
Free of impediment; unimpeded.
Expedient
Something that is a means to an end, especially when based on self-interest
Compromised only as an expedient to boost his career.
Expedite
Expeditious; quick; prompt.
Expedient
Something contrived or used to meet an urgent need
Exhausted every expedient before filing a lawsuit.
Expedite
Free of impediment; unimpeded.
To make the way plain and expedite.
Expedient
Suitable to effect some desired end or the purpose intended.
Most people, faced with a decision, will choose the most expedient option.
Expedite
Expeditious; quick; speedily; prompt.
Nimble and expedite . . . in its operation.
Speech is a very short and expedite way of conveying their thoughts.
Expedient
Affording short-term benefit, often at the expense of the long-term.
Expedite
To relieve of impediments; to facilitate; to accelerate the process or progress of; to hasten; to quicken; as, to expedite the growth of plants.
To expedite your glorious march.
Expedient
Governed by self-interest, often short-term self-interest.
Expedite
To despatch; to send forth; to issue officially.
Such charters be expedited of course.
Expedient
(obsolete) Expeditious, quick, rapid.
Expedite
Speed up the progress of; facilitate;
This should expedite the process
Expedient
A method or means for achieving a particular result, especially when direct or efficient; a resource.
Expedite
Process fast and efficiently;
I will try to expedite the matter
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 a decision be both expedient and effective?
Yes, a decision can be both expedient and effective if it achieves the desired outcome efficiently, though it may not always be the most principled approach.
Why might someone choose an expedient solution?
Someone might choose an expedient solution for its convenience and speed, especially in situations demanding quick resolution.
How does expedient differ from ethical?
Expedient actions focus on practical and immediate results, sometimes at the expense of ethics.
Is it good to always expedite tasks?
While expediting tasks can be beneficial to meet urgent needs, it’s important to balance speed with accuracy and completeness.
What are the risks of using expedient methods?
Expedient methods can lead to compromises on quality, ethical standards, and might only offer short-term solutions.
What is an example of an expedient decision in politics?
An expedient decision in politics might involve implementing a policy quickly to gain immediate support, regardless of potential long-term consequences.
What does it mean to expedite a process?
To expedite a process means to make it faster and reduce delays.
Can expedite and expedient be used interchangeably?
No, expedite and expedient cannot be used interchangeably as they refer to different concepts of speeding up processes and using convenient methods, respectively.
How do I explain the need to expedite a process to my team?
Explain the benefits, the urgency of the timeline, and how expediting will help achieve strategic goals more swiftly.
How do businesses benefit from expediting processes?
Businesses can achieve faster outcomes, improve efficiency, and meet customer or market demands promptly by expediting processes.
What types of projects are typically expedited?
Projects with tight deadlines, such as event preparations or product launches, are typically expedited.
Can using expedients be justified in business practices?
Using expedients can be justified when immediate results are critical, but they should be approached with caution to avoid negative long-term impacts.
How can expediting affect team performance?
Expediting can boost team performance by setting clear, urgent goals, though it may also increase stress and pressure.
When is it not appropriate to use expedient solutions?
It is inappropriate to use expedient solutions when they compromise ethical standards, long-term objectives, or overall quality.
What are common tools or methods for expediting work?
Common tools include project management software, prioritizing tasks, and allocating extra resources.
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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.
Edited 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.
