opportunism

noun

op·​por·​tun·​ism ˌä-pər-ˈtü-ˌni-zəm How to pronounce opportunism (audio)
-ˈtyü-
: the art, policy, or practice of taking advantage of opportunities or circumstances often with little regard for principles or consequences

Examples of opportunism in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
From afar, the Zelensky government’s rush to embrace the incoming administration may look like sheer opportunism. Nataliya Gumenyuk, Foreign Affairs, 15 Nov. 2024 To many onlookers, the party switch smacked of political opportunism. Allison Mashell Mitchell / Made By History, TIME, 5 Nov. 2024 The excellent Francis — who like all four principals is reprising his role from London — finds an ideal balance between Joe’s cynical opportunism and his charm. David Rooney, The Hollywood Reporter, 3 Sep. 2019 Trump’s wisdom comes from intuition and opportunism. Patrick Brzeski, The Hollywood Reporter, 9 Oct. 2024 See all Example Sentences for opportunism 

Word History

Etymology

opportune + -ism, after Italian opportunismo and French opportunisme

First Known Use

1870, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of opportunism was in 1870

Dictionary Entries Near opportunism

Cite this Entry

“Opportunism.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/opportunism. Accessed 26 Nov. 2024.

Kids Definition

opportunism

noun
op·​por·​tun·​ism ˌäp-ər-ˈt(y)ü-ˌniz-əm How to pronounce opportunism (audio)
: the practice of taking advantage of opportunities or circumstances regardless of what one should do or what might happen

More from Merriam-Webster on opportunism

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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