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

Political opportunism Nobody enjoys paying taxes or seeing their money misspent. — Sun Sentinel Editorial Board, Sun Sentinel, 19 Sep. 2026

Her Democratic opponent in the congressional race, former CBS Miami news anchor Elliot Rodriguez dismissed her new ad as political opportunism. — Claire Heddles, Miami Herald, 17 Sep. 2026

At the same time, Bhumjaithai’s vacuous opportunism reflects a new form of realpolitik that appears much more durable than previous iterations. — Duncan McCargo, Foreign Affairs, 24 Aug. 2026

Hong was counting on moderate voters not noticing the change, or at least not seeing her metamorphosis as little more than political opportunism. — Chris Roemer, Baltimore Sun, 13 Aug. 2026

Word History

Etymology

opportune + -ism, after Italian opportunismo and French opportunisme

First Known Use

1870, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for opportunism

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

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