Expedience is a noun that can mean choosing what is practicalUseful and workable in real situations, not just theoretical. or useful for a particular goal. In a less neutral sense, it can also mean acting mainly from self-interestMotivation based on personal benefit rather than fairness or help for others. or advantage, especially without much concernWorry or consideration for someone or something. for others.
Reviewed with OpenAI Decisions. Assessment: accurate. Checked: 2026-10-18. AI assessment; not a guarantee of accuracy.
Pronunciation
AI-generated pronunciation audio (OpenAI).
Accent: General American English
IPA: /ɪkˈspiːdiəns/
Easy pronunciation: ik-SPEE-dee-uhns (approximate spelling).
Stress: Primary stress on the second syllable: SPEE.
Noun meaning practical usefulness for a goal; this is the sense closest to expediency.
Reviewed with OpenAI Decisions. Assessment: uncertain — manual review needed. Checked: 2026-10-18. AI assessment; not a guarantee of accuracy.
Expedience Meaning
practical usefulness for a goal
Part of speech: noun
Definition: the quality of being suited to the purpose or result you want
Example: For expedience, they decided to hold the meeting online.
Synonyms for this meaning:
- expediency — The closest direct synonym for this practical sense.
Reviewed with OpenAI Decisions. Assessment: accurate. Checked: 2026-10-18. AI assessment; not a guarantee of accuracy.
Other Meanings of Expedience
Meaning 2
self-serving opportunism
Part of speech: noun
Definition: taking advantage of opportunities without regard for the consequences for others
Example: He acted from expedience rather than principle.
Synonyms for this meaning:
- opportunism — Matches the sense of using chances mainly for personal gain.
- self-interest — Can fit when the emphasis is on personal advantage, though it is broader and less negative.
- self-seeking — Works when the behavior is strongly motivated by personal gain.
Reviewed with OpenAI Decisions. Assessment: uncertain — manual review needed. Checked: 2026-10-18. AI assessment; not a guarantee of accuracy.
Expedience Synonyms
Similar Meaning
- expediency
self-serving opportunism
- opportunism
- self-interest
- self-seeking
Reviewed with OpenAI Decisions. Assessment: uncertain — manual review needed. Checked: 2026-10-18. AI assessment; not a guarantee of accuracy.
Common Mistakes
- Confusing expedience with expediency: they are very close, and in many contexts they overlap.
- Using expedience only in a positive sense: it can also suggest acting for convenience or advantage rather than principle.
Reviewed with OpenAI Decisions. Assessment: accurate. Checked: 2026-10-18. AI assessment; not a guarantee of accuracy.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does expedience mean?
Expedience usually means doing what is practical or useful for a particular result. In some contexts, it also suggests acting mainly for personal advantage.
What is a simple synonym for expedience?
A simple synonym is expediency in the practical sense. In the negative sense, opportunism is a good match.
Is expedience a positive word?
Not always. It can be neutral when it means practicality, but it can sound negative when it suggests self-interest or ignoring consequences for others.
Reviewed with OpenAI Decisions. Assessment: accurate. Checked: 2026-10-18. AI assessment; not a guarantee of accuracy.