expeditious

If someone asks you to be expeditious, they want you to get something done quickly and efficiently. It is not just about moving fast. It is about avoiding delay and handling the task in a smooth, practical way. You might want an expeditious reply to an urgent email or an expeditious repair when something important breaks. The word suggests prompt action with a clear purpose, not careless rushing.

"Expeditious" describes something done with speed and efficiency. It does not simply mean fast in a wild or careless way. Instead, it suggests prompt action that moves a task forward without unnecessary delay. It comes from the Latin "expedire," meaning "to free from difficulties" or "to set in order for action." That background fits the modern sense well: an expeditious approach clears the way and gets things done promptly.

You might describe an expeditious response to a crisis, an expeditious review of an application, or an expeditious delivery of important supplies. It often appears in formal or professional settings where people care about acting without delay, such as business, law, government, medicine, or emergency work.

It has long been common in legal and official language. For example, if a court orders an expeditious hearing, it means the matter should be handled as soon as reasonably possible. While it is less common in everyday conversation than words like "fast" or "quick," expeditious sounds more formal and places extra stress on prompt, efficient action.

So if you want to say that something is handled swiftly and efficiently, especially in a formal tone, expeditious is a strong choice.