Words / C2

eksp-uh-DISH-uh-s/ˌekspəˈdɪʃəs/

Expeditious means done with speed and efficiency (formal): an expeditious reply, expeditious handling. Quick can be careless; expeditious implies competence as well as haste. Expedite is the verb (hurry a process along). Expedient is “convenient”, not “fast”. Do not write expeditious for a rushed, messy job.

Meaning

Done with speed and efficiency (formal).

Examples

• “We need an expeditious reply, not another holding email.”
• “We asked for an expeditious correction, not another holding line.”
• “An expeditious search of the register found the duplicate in minutes.”

Good to know

Prompt and efficient (formal). Verb: expedite. Mix-up: expedient (convenient/unprincipled). Contrast: merely quick (possibly careless).

Near in meaning

prompt

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