# expedient

> English word · Adjective · IPA /ɪkˈspiːdi.ənt/ · frequency rank #35,713

## Definitions
1. Suitable to effect some desired end or the purpose intended.
2. Affording short-term benefit, often at the expense of the long-term.
3. Governed by self-interest, often short-term self-interest.
4. Expeditious, quick, rapid.

## Etymology
From Middle English expedient, from Old French expedient, from Latin expediens (stem expedient-), present participle of expedire (“to bring forward, to dispatch, to expedite; impers. to be profitable, serviceable, advantageous, expedient”), from ex (“out”) + pēs (“foot, hoof”).

## Easily confused with
- **experiment** (https://plainspell.com/en/vs/expedient-vs-experiment)
- **expediency** (https://plainspell.com/en/vs/expediency-vs-expedient)

## Common misspellings (13)
`epxedient`, `exepdient`, `expdeient`, `expeddient`, `expedeint`, `expediennt`, `expedientt`, `expedietn`, `expedinet`, `expeident`, `exppedient`, `exxpedient`, `xepedient`

## Source
Compiled from Wiktionary via kaikki.org (CC BY-SA). Data vintage: 2026-05-06.
Canonical page: https://plainspell.com/en/word/expedient