necessary evil
Required but unpleasant
A necessary evil is something undesirable that must be accepted to achieve a greater good or avoid a worse outcome.
The phrase acknowledges that some harmful or unpleasant things serve an essential purpose: Taxes are a necessary evil, She viewed the commute as a necessary evil.
Often used to rationalize compromises or justify tolerating what would otherwise be opposed.
Impossible to prevent
- trade-offExchange requiring sacrifice
- inevitableCertain to occur
- toleratedPermitted without approval
- unpleasantCausing discomfort or distaste
justified · expedient · byproduct · side effect · collateral damage · unpalatable · unwelcome · begrudgingly
Politics prioritizing practicality over ethics
- statecraftArt of government
- diplomacyNegotiation between nations
- geopoliticsGeography's role in statecraft
- allianceFormal union of parties
strategy · compromise · maneuvering · expediency · power politics · deal-making · negotiation · bipartisanship
Forced choice between undesirables
- justificationReason proving rightness
- guiltMoral self-reproach
- conscienceInternal moral sense
- ethicsStudy of right conduct
moral compromise · wrongdoing · culpability · moral burden · complicity · accountability · ethical dilemma · moral reasoning
Prioritizing function over beauty
- expediencyPrioritizing practicality over ethics
- practicalityQuality of being useful
- realismAccepting things as they are
- pragmaticFocused on workable solutions
sensible · practical · calculated · cost-benefit · rational · strategic · realistic · level-headed
Voluntary relinquishment of position
- begrudgingReluctantly allowing or giving
- hesitationDelay from uncertainty
- unwillingnessDisinclination to act
- aversionIntense dislike or repugnance
ambivalence · misgivings · qualms · trepidation · wariness · apprehension · reluctant · gritted teeth
unavoidable
Impossible to prevent
- trade-offExchange requiring sacrifice
- inevitableCertain to occur
- toleratedPermitted without approval
unpleasant · justified · expedient · byproduct · side effect · collateral damage · unpalatable · unwelcome · begrudgingly · compulsion
realpolitik
Politics prioritizing practicality over ethics
- statecraftArt of government
- diplomacyNegotiation between nations
- geopoliticsGeography's role in statecraft
alliance · strategy · compromise · maneuvering · expediency · power politics · deal-making · negotiation · bipartisanship · coalition
dilemma
Forced choice between undesirables
- justificationReason proving rightness
- guiltMoral self-reproach
- conscienceInternal moral sense
ethics · moral compromise · wrongdoing · culpability · moral burden · complicity · accountability · ethical dilemma · moral reasoning · situational ethics
utilitarian
Prioritizing function over beauty
- expediencyPrioritizing practicality over ethics
- practicalityQuality of being useful
- realismAccepting things as they are
pragmatic · sensible · practical · calculated · cost-benefit · rational · strategic · realistic · level-headed · clear-eyed
resignation
Voluntary relinquishment of position
- begrudgingReluctantly allowing or giving
- hesitationDelay from uncertainty
- unwillingnessDisinclination to act
aversion · ambivalence · misgivings · qualms · trepidation · wariness · apprehension · reluctant · gritted teeth · heavy heart
necessary evilunnecessary
Not essential or required
optional · unimportant · dispensable · avoidable · unneeded
necessary evilbonus
Reward beyond expectation
guilty pleasure · fringe benefit · pleasant surprise · icing on the cake · cherry on top
evil, necessary, necessity, unnecessary, necessarily, evils, necessitate, evilness, evildoer