opportunism

noun

op·​por·​tun·​ism ˌä-pər-ˈtü-ˌni-zəm 

-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

But the second half was different, as Mbappe showed more fluidity — and opportunism. —Mario Cortegana, The Athletic, 9 Feb. 2025

Some pro-lifers in the Senate have pronounced themselves satisfied with this transparent opportunism. —The Editors, National Review, 29 Jan. 2025

Choosing a new team with dubious values will look like opportunism. —Steve Bousquet, Sun Sentinel, 6 Feb. 2025

But rather than a poster boy for Everton’s new era under TFG and Moyes, Alcaraz looks like being a low-risk piece of opportunism for a club still working its way through profit and sustainability rules issues. —Patrick Boyland, The Athletic, 6 Feb. 2025

Word History

Etymology

opportune + -ism, after Italian opportunismo and French opportunisme

First Known Use

1870, in the meaning defined above

Kids Definition

opportunism

noun

op·​por·​tun·​ism ˌäp-ər-ˈt(y)ü-ˌniz-əm 

: the practice of taking advantage of opportunities or circumstances regardless of what one should do or what might happen