opportunistic

adjective op·por·tu·nis·tic \ ˌä-pər-tü-ˈni-stik , -tyü- \

Updated on: 16 Apr 2018

Definition of opportunistic

: taking advantage of opportunities as they arise: such as

a : exploiting opportunities with little regard to principle (see principle 1) or consequences

a politician considered opportunistic

an opportunistic investment

b : feeding on whatever food is available

opportunistic feeders

opportunistic bears

c : being or caused by a usually harmless microorganism that can become pathogenic when the host's resistance is impaired

opportunistic infections

opportunistic diseases

—

opportunistically

play \ˌä-pər-tü-ˈni-sti-k(ə-)lē, -tyü-\ adverb

Recent Examples of opportunistic from the Web

Goalkeeper Alex Bono made several massive saves, and Sebastian Giovinco and Tosaint Ricketts (Altidore’s replacement), combined to set up Jonathan Osorio for a clinical and opportunistic 12th-minute goal.

— brian straus, SI.com, "Toronto FC Earns Matchup With Chivas de Guadalajara in Concacaf Champions League finals," 11 Apr. 2018
Baltimore’s technology staff attributed the attack to opportunistic hackers who took advantage of inadvertent changes made to a firewall meant to protect the city’s network that instead left it vulnerable for about 24 hours.

— larry greenemeier, Scientific American, "Urban Bungle: Atlanta Cyber Attack Puts Other Cities on Notice," 4 Apr. 2018
Because this is a fallen world, there will always be a layer of opportunistic sleaze that sees young, unsophisticated players as a ticket to the top.

— gregg doyel, Indianapolis Star, "Doyel: The ruination of college basketball starts in high school," 23 Feb. 2018
You'll be enchanted by people in powerful positions, so partnerships built during this transit may have an opportunistic flair.

— aliza kelly faragher, Allure, "What April's Virgo Horoscope Means for You," 29 Mar. 2018
Dallas was opportunistic in building its narrow advantage, turning 10 Los Angeles turnovers into 13 points.

— dan greenspan, star-telegram, "Randle’s double-double lifts Lakers to 103-93 win over Mavs | Fort Worth Star-Telegram," 29 Mar. 2018
The opportunistic Johnson spoiled that plan with her clutch theft and three-point play.

— rick o'brien, Philly.com, "Archbishop Wood girls fall in closing seconds of PIAA Class 5A basketball championship," 28 Mar. 2018
Ohrnberger envisages the defensive front being sound and stout enough to free up Rams linebackers to stuff the run, yet also so disruptive against the pass that defensive backs can be opportunistic.

— tom krasovic, sandiegouniontribune.com, "Fight For L.A.? Rams are packing a punch," 27 Mar. 2018
Coyotes are notoriously intelligent, opportunistic and adaptable creatures.

— gregory b. hladky, courant.com, "Crying Wolf? Coyote Population, Incidents May Be Up, But Some Say Threat Not That Bad," 26 Mar. 2018

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'opportunistic.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.