Merriam-Webster Collegiate Dictionary - expedient

 I. adjective  Etymology: Middle English, from Anglo-French or Latin; Anglo-French, from Latin ~-, expendiens, present participle of expedire to extricate, prepare, be useful, from ex- + ped-, pes foot — more at foot  Date: 14th century  1. suitable for achieving a particular end in a given circumstance  2. characterized by concern with what is opportune; especially governed by self-interest  • ~ly adverb Synonyms:  ~, politic, advisable mean dictated by practical or prudent motives. ~ usually implies what is immediately advantageous without regard for ethics or consistent principles a politically ~ decision. politic stresses judiciousness and tactical value but usually implies some lack of candor or sincerity a politic show of interest. advisable applies to what is practical, prudent, or advantageous but lacks the derogatory implication of ~ and politic sometimes it's advisable to say nothing.  II. noun  Date: 1630 something ~ ; a temporary means to an end  Synonyms: see resource