What is opportunism? How to use in English

Discover the meaning of opportunism in English, its pronunciation, and how to use it correctly in real-life situations. See examples and easy memorization tips.

Definition & pronunciation of opportunism

opportunismnoun
chủ nghĩa cơ hội
/ˌɒpəˈtjuːnɪzəm//ˌɑːpərˈtuːnɪzəm/

Where does the word opportunism come from?

"Opportunism" traces its roots back to the Latin word "opportunus," meaning "favorable" or "suitable." This concept of seizing favorable moments evolved into the French term "opportunisme" in the 18th century. The term first appeared in English in the early 19th century, referring to the political strategy of taking advantage of circumstances. It later expanded to describe a more general tendency to exploit opportunities, often for personal gain, regardless of ethics or principles.

Vocabulary summary opportunism

type noun

meaning opportunism

Example of vocabulary opportunismnamespace

The CEO's opportunistic approach to business led to a significant increase in profits, as she was quick to seize new market opportunities that arose unexpectedly.
Some critics accuse the government's welfare reforms of fostering a culture of opportunism, as it often seems that those receiving benefits are unfairly penalized for minor infractions.
The opportunistic athlete arrived at the event hoping for a chance to demonstrate their skills in front of a large audience.
The opportunistic investor seized the moment and convinced the board to approve a risky but potentially lucrative investment project.
The opportunistic politician accused his opponent of accepting bribes, even though there was no concrete evidence to support the allegation.