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REFERENCE

expedition

n.
US //ˌɛkspəˈdɪʃən// UK //ˌɛkspədˈɪʃən// ex·pe·di·tion
  1. 1 a purposeful journey (n.)
    B1 Intermediate

    a long trip made by a group of people for a special reason, such as exploring or studying something.

    an organized journey or voyage undertaken by a group of people with a definite objective, such as exploration, research, or a specific task.

    Example

    The scientists went on an expedition to the Amazon to study rare birds.

    Example

    The university funded a three-month archaeological expedition to Egypt in hopes of uncovering remains from the Middle Kingdom.

    Usage

    Often used with the verbs 'go on', 'lead', or 'organize'.
  2. 2 the group of people (n.)
    B2 Upper Intermediate

    the group of people who are going on a special journey together.

    a collective noun referring to the organized group of people participating in a specific journey or mission.

    Example

    The expedition was forced to turn back when the weather became too dangerous.

    Example

    After weeks of trekking through the jungle, the expedition finally reached the ruins of the ancient city.
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  1. 3 military mission (n.)
    B2 Upper Intermediate Military

    a journey made by soldiers to fight an enemy or reach a specific area.

    a military enterprise or campaign conducted in a foreign territory or against an enemy.

    Example

    The army sent a small expedition to secure the border before winter.

    Example

    The naval expedition was launched with the primary objective of disrupting enemy supply lines along the coast.
  2. 4 speed or efficiency (n.)
    C2 Proficiency Formal Archaic

    doing something quickly and without wasting time.

    the quality of being prompt or efficient in the execution of a task.

    Example

    The manager handled the customer's complaint with great expedition.

    Example

    The judge requested that the legal proceedings be carried out with all possible expedition to ensure a timely verdict.

    Teacher's tip

    This sense is rare in modern conversation; learners will mostly encounter it in formal legal or historical texts.
Origin

From Middle French expédition, and its source, Latin expeditio.

Word family
Idioms1 entry

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