INEXPEDIENT

Pronunciation (US):

(GB):

 Dictionary entry overview: What does inexpedient mean? 

• INEXPEDIENT (adjective)
  The adjective INEXPEDIENT has 2 senses:

1. not suitable or advisable

2. not appropriate to the purpose

  Familiarity information: INEXPEDIENT used as an adjective is rare.

 Dictionary entry details 

• INEXPEDIENT (adjective)

Sense 1

Meaning:

Not suitable or advisable

Context example:

an inexpedient tactic

Similar:

inadvisable (not advisable)

Also:

disadvantageous; unfavorable; unfavourable (involving or creating circumstances detrimental to success or effectiveness)

impolitic (not politic)

Antonym:

expedient (serving to promote your interest)

Derivation:

inexpedience; inexpediency (the quality of being unsuited to the end in view)

Sense 2

Meaning:

Not appropriate to the purpose

Synonyms:

inexpedient; unwise

Similar:

impolitic (not politic)

Derivation:

inexpedience; inexpediency (the quality of being unsuited to the end in view)

 Context examples 

She even went so far as to murmur that they were non-essentials and that my trip after them might be inexpedient.

(The Sea-Wolf, by Jack London)

I found or devised something for you three weeks ago; but as you seemed both useful and happy here—as my sisters had evidently become attached to you, and your society gave them unusual pleasure—I deemed it inexpedient to break in on your mutual comfort till their approaching departure from Marsh End should render yours necessary.

(Jane Eyre, by Charlotte Brontë)