expedient expedient /ɪkˈspiːdiːənt/

adjective

1. () Serving to promote your interest  ( expedient )
   serving to promote your interest
    Was merciful only when mercy was expedient
   was merciful only when mercy was expedient
   
2. Appropriate to a purpose; practical  ( expedient )
   appropriate to a purpose; practical
    In the circumstances it was expedient to express loyalty
   in the circumstances it was expedient to express loyalty
   

noun

1. A means to an end; not necessarily a principled or ethical one  ( expedient )
   a means to an end; not necessarily a principled or ethical one