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

Studying abroad provides a great opportunity to learn a foreign language.

There were many missed opportunities (to score) throughout the game.

I'd like to take this opportunity to thank everyone.

The dog ran away at every opportunity. [= whenever it was able to]

at the first/earliest opportunity [= as soon as we are able to]

This is a golden opportunity to buy. [= an excellent chance to buy]

2

: a good chance for advancement or progress

the land of opportunity

Be ready when opportunity knocks. [= when the chance to do something occurs]

There are fewer job opportunities this year for graduates.

Synonyms of opportunity

• chance
• room

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.

Recent Examples on the Web

The victims’ family will have an opportunity to speak in court at next week’s hearing about the impact of the shooting before Serafini is sentenced. —Rosalio Ahumada, Sacbee.com, 21 Feb. 2026

In 1997, as the country’s capital city fell to a rebel army, a 23-year-old Gertler saw an opportunity, one that would accrue to those who got in early. —Nicolas Niarchos, Vanity Fair, 20 Feb. 2026

Last month, Illinois took a major step forward with the signing of the Clean Slate Act (HB 1836), a bipartisan law that expands opportunity and strengthens Illinois’ economy. —Curtis Reed, Chicago Tribune, 20 Feb. 2026

The leaks forced mission managers to forgo all launch opportunities this month. —Denise Chow, NBC news, 20 Feb. 2026

Word History

Etymology

Middle English oportunyte, borrowed from Anglo-French & Latin; Anglo-French oportunité, borrowed from Latin opportūnitāt-, opportūnitās, from opportūnus "convenient, opportune" + -itāt-, -itās -ity

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing opportunity

• at the first/earliest opportunity
• at the first opportunity
• equal opportunity
• equal opportunity employer
• land of opportunity
• opportunity cost
• photo opportunity
• seized on the opportunity
• take this opportunity
• window of opportunity

Rhymes for opportunity

• autoimmunity
• importunity
• community
• disunity
• immunity
• impunity
• munity
• unity

Kids 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