expedient

Meanings

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.

1. A method or means for achieving a particular result, especially when direct or efficient; a resource.

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”).