least expedient

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "least expedient" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe an option or course of action that is the least practical or efficient among available choices. Example: "In this situation, the least expedient solution would be to delay the project further, which could lead to additional costs."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

Some philosophers find it important or at least expedient to frame the issue in terms of the case of a statue s and piece of clay c that coincide throughout their entire existence.

SEP

The work, with the paradoxical name, Quick Sand, is arguably one of the least expedient ways to turn your kitchen chairs to dust, but arguably one of the most gratifying. .

Vice

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

53 human-written examples

To compromise on territory might seem, under certain conditions, imperative or at least politically expedient.

The New York Times

About £69m, in today's money, was obtained from parliamentary subsidies, loans from merchants and corporations, the melting down of some gorgeous gold artefacts and, not least, the expedient of clapping foreign bankers in jail and making them pay to get out.Ms Barker is a specialist in tournaments and chivalry, and this serves her excellently here.

The Economist

WHe I's ClospentBrick Lane's Vibe Bar.

Vice

The SEC, which itself has been attacked for failing to stop the over-leveraged and speculative conditions that led to the credit crisis to begin with, is picking the most politically expedient but least effective way to show it's dealing with the financial markets crisis.

Forbes

Graffiti can be, or at least once was, an expedient way of inserting social, political, and cultural comment into public view.

Vice

In the literature the question which test constitutes the most accurate, cost effective, expedient or least invasive approach to the diagnosis of rotator cuff tears is still controversial.

European Radiology

Critics say she has avoided public corruption cases for politically expedient reasons — not least retaining strong support on Beacon Hill.

The New York Times

For example, the extent of marine protected areas globally and in Australia reflects efforts made to establish them where they are most expedient politically and least required to protect biodiversity.

F1000Research

Based on our data, it must be asked whether comprehensive serial testing of HCWs following pre-employment screening remains an expedient preventive measure, at least outside of high-risk settings such as TB wards or laboratories.

BMC Infectious Diseases

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "least expedient", ensure the context clearly identifies the available options and why the chosen one is the least practical or efficient. Highlight the drawbacks of this option compared to others.

Common error

Avoid using "least expedient" when you simply mean "difficult" or "challenging". Expediency implies a trade-off between efficiency and other factors like ethics or thoroughness, which should be evident in your writing.

Linguistic Context

"Least expedient" functions as an adjective phrase modifying a noun, describing something as the least practical or efficient option available. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is grammatically correct. For example, "the least expedient way" suggests a method that is not the most efficient.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

50%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "least expedient" is an adjective phrase used to describe something that is the least practical or efficient option. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness, though its frequency is rare. The phrase is found in contexts such as News & Media and Science, suggesting a neutral to formal register. When using "least expedient", it's important to ensure that the context clearly identifies the available options and why the chosen one is the least practical or efficient, highlighting its drawbacks compared to alternatives like "most impractical" or "most inefficient".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

least practical

Highlights the lack of practicality as the primary issue.

most impractical

Emphasizes the lack of practicality compared to "least expedient".

least effective

Focuses on the lack of effectiveness in achieving a desired outcome.

most inefficient

Focuses on the inefficiency aspect rather than expediency.

least advantageous

Similar to "most disadvantageous" but emphasizes the absence of benefit.

most disadvantageous

Shifts the focus to the negative consequences or disadvantages.

most counterproductive

Highlights that the option actively hinders progress.

most cumbersome

Emphasizes the burdensome and unwieldy nature of the option.

least streamlined

Highlights the lack of efficiency and smooth execution.

most circuitous

Focuses on the indirect and roundabout nature of the approach.

FAQs

How can I use "least expedient" in a sentence?

You can use "least expedient" to describe a solution or method that is the least practical or efficient among several options. For example: "In this situation, the "least expedient" solution would be to delay the project further."

What are some alternatives to saying "least expedient"?

Alternatives include "most impractical", "most inefficient", or "least practical", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Which is correct, "least expedient" or "less expedient"?

"Least expedient" is used to denote the absolute minimum level of expediency, whereas "less expedient" implies a comparison between two options. Both are grammatically correct, but their usage depends on the context.

What does "expedient" mean?

"Expedient" refers to something that is convenient and practical, even if it may not be entirely ethical or ideal. Therefore, "least expedient" refers to the option that offers the fewest of these convenient and practical advantages.