pragmatism
n.a way of thinking that focuses on what works in real life rather than on what is theoretically perfect. You use this when you choose a solution because it is practical, even if it is not the most beautiful or fair one.
n.a philosophical approach that emphasizes practical consequences and effectiveness over abstract principles or theories. In political contexts, it refers to a policy based on expediency and the immediate needs of the situation.
“The politician's pragmatism helped her win the election.”
“In a time of economic crisis, the government's pragmatism led them to cut social programs rather than raise taxes.”
“While the philosopher argued for a strict adherence to moral law, the statesman's pragmatism dictated that a temporary compromise was necessary to preserve national stability.”
“At this point, continuing to expand fossil fuel production isn’t pragmatism, it’s a failure to face reality.” Climate activists from Greenpeace and Uplift protest against new drilling in the Rosebank and Jackdaw fields.”
“Throughout all three of her interwoven timelines, Obreht raises similarly searching questions about courage and cowardice, idealism and pragmatism, and most of all about how history is recounted and who gets to own it.”
From Ancient Greek stem of πρᾶγμα (prâgma, “act”) + -ism.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.