expedient
/ɪkˈspiːdi.ənt/
Group 20Difficulty 2/3
Definitions
- (adjective)
- Convenient and practical, though possibly improper or immoral GRE
- (noun)
- A means of attaining an end, especially one that is convenient but considered improper GRE
Example in Context
The politically expedient decision to delay the reform pleased the party base but failed to address the underlying crisis.
Synonyms
convenientpracticaluseful
Etymology
Taking steps out for convenience, sometimes at a moral cost.
- ex- (Latin) — out
- ped (Latin) — foot
Memory Aid
🚽Sounds like “ex-pee-dient”
Picture someone rushing to the bathroom saying, 'I NEED AN EXPEDIENT way out of this situation!' as they run!
Visual Association
🚀A person launching themselves out of a rocket, taking the quickest, albeit questionable, route to success.
Semantic Clusters
Synonym Groups
Frequently Asked Questions
What does “expedient” mean on the GRE?
expedient (adjective) means “Convenient and practical, though possibly improper or immoral”. The politically expedient decision to delay the reform pleased the party base but failed to address the underlying crisis.
How to remember “expedient” for the GRE?
Mnemonic: “expedient” sounds like “ex-pee-dient”. Picture someone rushing to the bathroom saying, 'I NEED AN EXPEDIENT way out of this situation!' as they run!
What are synonyms for “expedient”?
Common synonyms: convenient, practical, useful.