expediency
Meaning: The quality of being convenient and practical rather than morally correct; the prioritising of what is useful or advantageous over what is right or principled.
Expediency almost always carries a negative or at least sceptical connotation, implying that ethics have been sacrificed for short-term gain or convenience. It is a staple of political commentary, where decisions are frequently described as driven by 'political expediency' rather than genuine conviction. The related adjective 'expedient' can be more neutral, but the noun form tends to signal disapproval. It collocates strongly with 'political,' 'short-term,' and 'mere.'
Examples
- The government's decision was widely seen as an act of political expediency rather than a matter of genuine principle. 政府的决定被普遍视为出于政治权宜之计,而非真正的原则立场。La decisión del gobierno fue ampliamente interpretada como un acto de conveniencia política más que como una cuestión de principios genuinos.政府の決定は、真の原則に基づくものではなく、政治的な便宜主義の産物であると広く受け止められた。정부의 결정은 진정한 원칙에 근거한 것이 아니라 정치적 편의주의의 산물로 널리 받아들여졌다.
- Sacrificing environmental protections for the sake of economic expediency will ultimately cost the country far more than it saves. 为了经济上的权宜之计而牺牲环境保护,最终将使国家付出远超节省的代价。Sacrificar las protecciones medioambientales en aras de la conveniencia económica acabará costando al país mucho más de lo que ahorra.経済的な便宜のために環境保護を犠牲にすれば、最終的には節約額をはるかに上回る代償を国に強いることになる。경제적 편의를 위해 환경 보호를 희생하면, 궁극적으로 절약한 것보다 훨씬 더 큰 대가를 치르게 될 것이다.
- The committee chose expediency over thoroughness, rushing the report through without proper consultation. 委员会选择了权宜之计而非彻底审查,在未经适当协商的情况下仓促通过了报告。El comité optó por la conveniencia en lugar de la rigurosidad, apresurando el informe sin la debida consulta.委員会は十分な協議を行わず、徹底性よりも便宜を優先して報告書を急ぎ取りまとめた。위원회는 충분한 협의 없이 보고서를 서둘러 통과시키며, 철저함보다 편의를 택했다.
Pronunciation
Usage Guide
Context: academic, professional
Tone: critical
Origin & History
From Latin expedientia, from expediens (advantageous), present participle of expedire (to free, make ready). Entered English in the early 17th century via medieval Latin.
Cultural Context
Era: Modern
Generation: All ages
Social background: Universal
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