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

Bell pushed back against accusations of political opportunism, arguing that the Oversight Committee’s work is centered on justice for victims. —Toby Meyjes, MSNBC Newsweek, 14 Nov. 2025

This opportunism won him power. —Aluf Benn, Foreign Affairs, 10 Nov. 2025

Finally, even when a real crisis exists, so too does opportunism. —Veronique De Rugy, Oc Register, 7 Nov. 2025

In the end, as Bob Marley played in a cramped clubhouse, the Padres might have been left to ponder their early-innings misfortune, their lack of opportunism and their season-long shortage of power. —Dennis Lin, New York Times, 1 Oct. 2025

Word History

Etymology

opportune + -ism, after Italian opportunismo and French opportunisme

First Known Use

1870, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for opportunism

• activism
• ageism
• albinism
• altruism
• aneurism
• animism
• aphorism
• atomism
• barbarism
• bolshevism
• botulism
• brahmanism

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