opportunity
noun
op·por·tu·ni·ty
ˌä-pər-ˈtü-nə-tē 
-ˈtyü-
plural opportunities
1
: a favorable juncture of circumstances
the halt provided an opportunity for rest and refreshment
2
: a good chance for advancement or progress
Examples of opportunity in a Sentence
A phony war because its stated objective—eradicating terrorism—is impossible and serves to mask unstated, alarmingly open-ended goals, a kind of fishing expedition that provides an opportunity for America to display its intimidating arsenal …
—
John Edgar Wideman, Harper's, March 2002
Nowadays my only opportunity for an old-fashioned, self-indulgent sulk comes when I'm traveling.
—Ian Frazier, Atlantic, March 2001
I'm handing you an opportunity in the heart of the city where the whole world's heading: journalists, corporate leeches, Japanese tourists, Greco-Roman wrestlers.
—Gary Smith, Illustrated, 11 Sept. 2000
More than 90 percent of female senior managers believe that men's and women's opportunities remain unequal …
—Katha Pollitt, Atlantic, November 1997
You'll have an opportunity to ask questions after the presentation.
When the opportunity came for her to prove that she could do the job, she was ready.
I had the rare opportunity of speaking to the president.
Studying abroad provides a great opportunity to learn a foreign language.
There are fewer job opportunities this year for graduates.
I would like to take this opportunity to thank everyone who helped me with this book.
He was given every opportunity to prove that he was trustworthy.
There is plenty of opportunity for advancement within the company.
John Edgar Wideman, Harper's, March 2002
Nowadays my only opportunity for an old-fashioned, self-indulgent sulk comes when I'm traveling.
—Ian Frazier, Atlantic, March 2001
I'm handing you an opportunity in the heart of the city where the whole world's heading: journalists, corporate leeches, Japanese tourists, Greco-Roman wrestlers.
—Gary Smith, Illustrated, 11 Sept. 2000
More than 90 percent of female senior managers believe that men's and women's opportunities remain unequal …
—Katha Pollitt, Atlantic, November 1997
You'll have an opportunity to ask questions after the presentation.
When the opportunity came for her to prove that she could do the job, she was ready.
I had the rare opportunity of speaking to the president.
Studying abroad provides a great opportunity to learn a foreign language.
There are fewer job opportunities this year for graduates.
I would like to take this opportunity to thank everyone who helped me with this book.
He was given every opportunity to prove that he was trustworthy.
There is plenty of opportunity for advancement within the company.
Recent Examples on the Web
The trend is part of a global $2.24 billion adult recreational sports industry that's headed toward $3 billion by 2028 as adults seek out new opportunities for social connection, according to online market research company ReportLinker.
—Hadley Hitson, The Tennessean, 21 Aug. 2025
Call to Service will feature more than 40 local nonprofits, each presenting their volunteer opportunities in an expo-style event.
—Joe Rassel, The Orlando Sentinel, 20 Aug. 2025
Smart technology has transitioned from a luxury amenity to an essential property feature, creating substantial opportunities for real estate agents to maximize property values and deliver superior client service.
—Nikhil Jain, Forbes.com, 20 Aug. 2025
Ambiguous promises about growth opportunities no longer suffice.
—Sharon Wu, USA Today, 20 Aug. 2025
See All Example Sentences for opportunity
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Hadley Hitson, The Tennessean, 21 Aug. 2025
Call to Service will feature more than 40 local nonprofits, each presenting their volunteer opportunities in an expo-style event.
—Joe Rassel, The Orlando Sentinel, 20 Aug. 2025
Smart technology has transitioned from a luxury amenity to an essential property feature, creating substantial opportunities for real estate agents to maximize property values and deliver superior client service.
—Nikhil Jain, Forbes.com, 20 Aug. 2025
Ambiguous promises about growth opportunities no longer suffice.
—Sharon Wu, USA Today, 20 Aug. 2025
See All Example Sentences for opportunity
Cite this Entry
“Opportunity.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/opportunity. Accessed 24 Aug. 2025.
Copy CitationKids Definition
opportunity
noun
op·por·tu·ni·ty
ˌäp-ər-ˈt(y)ü-nət-ē
plural opportunities
1
: a favorable combination of circumstances, time, and place
2
: a chance to better oneself
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