expedient

adjective more expedient · most expedient

1. Suitable to effect some desired end or the purpose intended. Most people, faced with a decision, will choose the most expedient option.
2. Affording short-term benefit, often at the expense of the long-term. [T]he judges were unanimously of opinion that [...] by the common law of England, no man, not authorised by the crown, had a right to publish political news. While the Whig party was still formidable, the government thought it expedient occasionally to connive at the violation of this rule.
3. Governed by self-interest, often short-term self-interest. But the Expedient, in the sense in which it is opposed to the Right, generally means that which is expedient for the particular interest of the agent himself; as when a minister sacrifices the interests of his country to keep himself in place.
4. obsolete Expeditious, quick, rapid. the adverse winds / Whose leisure I have stay'd, have given him time / To land his legions all as soon as I; / His marches are expedient to this town / His forces strong, his soldiers confident.

Similar: advisable, desirable, judicious, politic, prudent, tactical, wise

noun expedients

1. A method or means for achieving a particular result, especially when direct or efficient; a resource. To secure such a market, there is no other expedient, than to promote manufacturing establishments.