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

By combining money with hard work in a traditionally Democratic state, Rockefeller overcame suspicions of political opportunism and rose from state legislator to secretary of state to governor. — Arkansas Online, 7 Nov. 2026

According to a veteran of the New York museum world, speaking on background, Weiss’s replacement of Suda could have at least the appearance of opportunism. — Hilarie M. Sheets, ARTnews.com, 13 Oct. 2026

This is disgraceful political opportunism, and Zohran should not simply go along with it, particularly when immigrant families’ livelihoods are being destroyed. — Gloria Pazmino, CNN Money, 13 Oct. 2026

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