expeditious

USAGE SUMMARY

The word "expeditious" is correct and can be used in written English.
It is an adjective that is used to describe someone or something that is fast or quick. Examples: The delivery service was expeditious, and the package arrived much sooner than expected. My mother is an expeditious baker and often finishes baking within an hour or two.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Tucked away in paragraph six of one of its annexes, the Doha declaration briefly acknowledges this problem and resolves to find an "expeditious solution".

The Economist

One team member candidly described the task ahead as "Herculean".The instructions from the UN Security Council, after the attack in August on the opposition-held Damascus suburb of Ghouta that is thought to have killed more than 1,400 people, are to undertake "the expeditious destruction of the Syrian Arab Republic's chemical-weapons programme and stringent verification thereof".

The Economist

Mr Mukherjee admits there is a problem, and talks hopefully of the "expeditious" passing of a land-acquisition act.

The Economist

As it has clawed back power in the aftermath of the 2011 revolution, the "deep state" centred on the army and the security services found it expeditious first to make the Muslim Brotherhood its ally in controlling the streets, then to demonise it.

The Economist

Singapore known variously as the "Lion City" or "Garden City," the latter for its many parks and tree-lined streets—has also been called "instant Asia" because it offers the tourist an expeditious glimpse into the cultures brought to it by immigrants from all parts of Asia.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Under the Neutrality Treaty the United States and Panama guarantee the permanent neutrality of the canal, with nondiscriminatory tolls and access for all nations; U.S. and Panamanian warships, however, are entitled to expeditious passage.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Equally important was a simplification of form brought about by the demand for more expeditious production methods.

Encyclopedia Britannica

The war between the North and the South had persisted longer than many had anticipated, and the Union army's efforts in early 1864 provided little hope for an expeditious conclusion.

Encyclopedia Britannica

The Austro-Hungarian chief of staff, Conrad, had clamoured for preventive war since 1906, but, when he received his chance in July 1914, it turned out that the Austrian army had no plans for an expeditious offensive.

Encyclopedia Britannica

The 1982 treaty established a new right of transit passage for the purpose of continuous and expeditious transit in straits used for international navigation between one part of the high seas or exclusive economic zone and another.

Encyclopedia Britannica

After the 17th century more expeditious legal actions were developed.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "expeditious" when you want to emphasize both speed and efficiency in completing a task or process. It's suitable for formal contexts where a balance of quickness and thoroughness is valued.

Common error

Avoid using "expeditious" when you mean "expedient". While both relate to efficiency, "expeditious" refers to speed and efficiency, while "expedient" suggests achieving an immediate advantage, potentially at the expense of ethics or long-term goals.

Linguistic Context

The word "expeditious" functions primarily as an adjective, modifying nouns to describe actions, processes, or decisions characterized by speed and efficiency. Ludwig AI shows that this term often appears in contexts where quick and effective outcomes are emphasized.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Encyclopedias

30%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Science

5%

Reference

5%

Social Media

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "expeditious" is a versatile adjective used to describe something that is done with both speed and efficiency. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it commonly appears in formal and professional contexts, particularly in News & Media and Encyclopedias. While "expeditious" is often used to emphasize the importance of promptness, it's crucial to avoid confusing it with "expedient", which prioritizes immediate advantage over ethical considerations. Remember, using "expeditious" correctly can add a touch of formality and precision to your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

prompt

Emphasizes immediacy and readiness in action.

swift

Highlights quickness and speed in execution.

rapid

Focuses on high speed or rate of occurrence.

speedy

Similar to rapid, but can also imply eagerness.

efficient

Highlights the lack of wasted time or resources.

fast

A simpler and more general term for quickness.

quick

Similar to fast, but may imply a shorter duration.

time-saving

Emphasizes the conservation of time.

accelerated

Indicates an increase in speed or rate.

nimble

Suggests agility and skill in achieving speed.

FAQs

How do you use "expeditious" in a sentence?

"Expeditious" is typically used to describe processes or actions that are carried out quickly and efficiently. For instance, "The company aimed for an expeditious resolution to the customer's complaint".

What is a good synonym for "expeditious"?

Several words can replace "expeditious", depending on the context. Some good alternatives include "prompt", "swift", and "rapid".

Is "expeditious" a formal word?

Yes, "expeditious" is generally considered a formal word. It is best suited for professional, academic, or official contexts. In more casual settings, simpler words like "fast" or "quick" might be more appropriate.

What's the difference between "expeditious" and "efficient"?

While both terms relate to effectiveness, "expeditious" specifically emphasizes speed and promptness in addition to efficiency. "Efficient" focuses on minimizing wasted resources, whereas "expeditious" highlights the speed at which something is done. Therefore, using the word "expeditious" will refer to "fast", "quick" and efficient.