1. Practical and convenient, even if not morally right. This is the most common meaning. It refers to something that is done for immediate advantage, even if it might be ethically questionable.
* Example: "It was expedient for the company to lay off workers, even though it was unfair to those who lost their jobs."
2. Suitable or advantageous for a particular purpose. This meaning emphasizes the practicality and effectiveness of something, without any moral implication.
* Example: "The new software is expedient for managing our inventory."
Here are some synonyms for "expedient" depending on the context:
* For the first meaning: practical, pragmatic, opportunistic, politic, convenient, advantageous.
* For the second meaning: effective, efficient, suitable, appropriate, convenient.
It's important to consider the context when interpreting the word "expedient" to understand its true meaning.