Refers to choosing the most practical way to achieve a goal, not necessarily the most ethical. They chose the most expedient route to finish the project on time.
Pro Tip 2/3
Negative Nuance
It can have a slightly negative connotation suggesting a compromise on values or quality. He found an expedient solution, though it wasn't completely honest.
Pro Tip 3/3
Immediate Benefit
Often implies a quick solution for immediate benefit, not focusing on long-term impacts. She took the expedient action of ignoring the error to meet the deadline.