politically expedient

USAGE SUMMARY

"politically expedient" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use the phrase "politically expedient" to describe a decision or action that is taken for political gain, rather than for any other purpose. For example, "The Prime Minister's decision to pass the controversial bill was seen as politically expedient, as it kept his party in power."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

55 human-written examples

All in all, a return to normal after a politically expedient pause for bipartisanship.

The New York Times

She does whatever is politically expedient".

The New York Times

The fund was a politically expedient creation.

The Guardian

That would be politically expedient for the Obama administration.

The New York Times

This policy, however understandable, is not politically expedient.

The New York Times

"But it never seems to be politically expedient".

The New York Times

Do the right thing or take the politically expedient route.

The Guardian - Sport

Let's be careful not to simply make politically expedient decisions.

The New York Times

He called Khan's condemnation of Livingstone "politically expedient".

The Guardian

"Right now it seems politically expedient," said Cian Westmoreland.

The Guardian

Although such elections are stipulated in the constitution, previous governments did not find them politically expedient.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "politically expedient" to critically analyze decisions made by political figures or organizations, highlighting the strategic intentions behind their actions.

Common error

Avoid using "politically expedient" to describe actions that are genuinely ethical or principled. The phrase inherently suggests a prioritization of political advantage over moral considerations. If the action is indeed ethical, choose language that reflects its integrity rather than its strategic value.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "politically expedient" functions as an adjective phrase, modifying a noun to indicate that something is advantageous or useful from a political perspective. According to Ludwig AI, the phrase is correct and used to describe decisions driven by political gain.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

98%

Formal & Business

1%

Science

1%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "politically expedient" is a common and grammatically sound expression used to describe actions driven primarily by political advantage rather than principle. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is a correct and usable phrase. Commonly found in news and media contexts, "politically expedient" serves to critique or analyze decisions, suggesting that political motivations outweigh genuine concern. While not always negative, the phrase often carries a connotation of self-service. Related phrases include "politically advantageous" and "politically convenient". When employing this phrase, ensure clarity in your writing, avoiding its misuse with ethical choices and clearly indicating the prioritization of political gain.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

politically advantageous

Emphasizes the benefit or gain derived from a political perspective.

politically convenient

Highlights the ease or suitability of an action within a political context.

strategically beneficial politically

Highlights the strategic advantage in political terms.

tactically sound politically

Focuses on the tactical correctness from a political viewpoint.

pragmatically effective in politics

Stresses the practical effectiveness within the realm of politics.

politically profitable

Highlights the gains and rewards from a political perspective.

calculated political move

Emphasizes the deliberate planning behind a political action.

expedient from a political viewpoint

Indicates a focus on immediate advantage in the political arena.

done for political reasons

Simple term which highlights the intentions are focused on political matters.

geared toward political success

Action focused on achieving political gains.

FAQs

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

You can use "politically expedient" to describe a decision or action that is primarily motivated by political gain rather than principle. For example, "The politician's stance on the issue was seen as "politically expedient", designed to win votes rather than address the core problem."

What's the difference between "politically expedient" and "strategic"?

"Politically expedient" implies that a decision is made primarily for political advantage, even if it might not be the best overall choice. "Strategic", on the other hand, suggests a well-thought-out plan to achieve a long-term goal, not necessarily tied to immediate political benefits.

What are some alternatives to "politically expedient"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "politically advantageous", "politically convenient", or "calculated political move" to convey a similar meaning.

Is it always negative to describe something as "politically expedient"?

While not always explicitly negative, "politically expedient" often carries a connotation that the action is self-serving or lacks genuine commitment to the stated cause. It implies that political considerations outweigh other important factors.