opportunity
noun
op·por·tu·ni·ty
ˌä-pər-ˈtü-nə-tē 
-ˈtyü-
plural opportunities
1
: a favorable juncture of circumstances
the halt provided an opportunity for rest and refreshment
2
: a good chance for advancement or progress
Examples of opportunity in a Sentence
A phony war because its stated objective—eradicating terrorism—is impossible and serves to mask unstated, alarmingly open-ended goals, a kind of fishing expedition that provides an opportunity for America to display its intimidating arsenal …
—
John Edgar Wideman, Harper's, March 2002
Nowadays my only opportunity for an old-fashioned, self-indulgent sulk comes when I'm traveling.
—Ian Frazier, Atlantic, March 2001
I'm handing you an opportunity in the heart of the city where the whole world's heading: journalists, corporate leeches, Japanese tourists, Greco-Roman wrestlers.
—Gary Smith, Illustrated, 11 Sept. 2000
More than 90 percent of female senior managers believe that men's and women's opportunities remain unequal …
—Katha Pollitt, Atlantic, November 1997
You'll have an opportunity to ask questions after the presentation.
When the opportunity came for her to prove that she could do the job, she was ready.
I had the rare opportunity of speaking to the president.
Studying abroad provides a great opportunity to learn a foreign language.
There are fewer job opportunities this year for graduates.
I would like to take this opportunity to thank everyone who helped me with this book.
He was given every opportunity to prove that he was trustworthy.
There is plenty of opportunity for advancement within the company.
John Edgar Wideman, Harper's, March 2002
Nowadays my only opportunity for an old-fashioned, self-indulgent sulk comes when I'm traveling.
—Ian Frazier, Atlantic, March 2001
I'm handing you an opportunity in the heart of the city where the whole world's heading: journalists, corporate leeches, Japanese tourists, Greco-Roman wrestlers.
—Gary Smith, Illustrated, 11 Sept. 2000
More than 90 percent of female senior managers believe that men's and women's opportunities remain unequal …
—Katha Pollitt, Atlantic, November 1997
You'll have an opportunity to ask questions after the presentation.
When the opportunity came for her to prove that she could do the job, she was ready.
I had the rare opportunity of speaking to the president.
Studying abroad provides a great opportunity to learn a foreign language.
There are fewer job opportunities this year for graduates.
I would like to take this opportunity to thank everyone who helped me with this book.
He was given every opportunity to prove that he was trustworthy.
There is plenty of opportunity for advancement within the company.
Recent Examples on the Web
The Yankees will have an opportunity to add an upgrade at the trade deadline.
—Ron Estes, MSNBC Newsweek, 29 Mar. 2025
Within walking distance lies the historic Gastown neighborhood, where cobblestone streets lead to exceptional dining and shopping opportunities.
—Shelby Knick, Forbes.com, 29 Mar. 2025
The benefits are more intangible: a chance to showcase and celebrate the work of a department’s officers, the opportunity to improve their image in the eyes of the public, and some acknowledgement for victims who might be overlooked by the media.
—Jessica Lussenhop, ProPublica, 29 Mar. 2025
The governor also took the opportunity to announce that his state has submitted a waiver that would prohibit Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) participants from using the benefits to purchase soda.
—Rachel Wolf, FOXNews.com, 29 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for opportunity
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Ron Estes, MSNBC Newsweek, 29 Mar. 2025
Within walking distance lies the historic Gastown neighborhood, where cobblestone streets lead to exceptional dining and shopping opportunities.
—Shelby Knick, Forbes.com, 29 Mar. 2025
The benefits are more intangible: a chance to showcase and celebrate the work of a department’s officers, the opportunity to improve their image in the eyes of the public, and some acknowledgement for victims who might be overlooked by the media.
—Jessica Lussenhop, ProPublica, 29 Mar. 2025
The governor also took the opportunity to announce that his state has submitted a waiver that would prohibit Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) participants from using the benefits to purchase soda.
—Rachel Wolf, FOXNews.com, 29 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for opportunity
Cite this Entry
“Opportunity.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/opportunity. Accessed 2 Apr. 2025.
Copy CitationKids Definition
opportunity
noun
op·por·tu·ni·ty
ˌäp-ər-ˈt(y)ü-nət-ē
plural opportunities
1
: a favorable combination of circumstances, time, and place
2
: a chance to better oneself
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