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

But Wednesday’s military parade, the largest ever held by China, also shows that whatever the emerging world order is, it is governed by harsh realism, self-interest, and opportunism. —Kerry Brown, Time, 4 Sep. 2025

These assertions go beyond guile, opportunism, cruelty, despair, or self-preservation. —Hussein Agha, New Yorker, 22 Aug. 2025

And not every outside proposal is fast-money opportunism dressed up as reform. —Marc Cooper, Forbes.com, 28 July 2025

Attorney Chad Dunn, who is representing a group of plaintiffs in the lawsuit, said the dichotomy is evidence of political opportunism. —John C. Moritz, Austin American Statesman, 14 July 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