opportunity

noun

op·​por·​tu·​ni·​ty ˌä-pər-ˈtü-nə-tē How to pronounce opportunity (audio)
-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.
Recent Examples on the Web Lipan stayed consistent, giving itself an opportunity to secure an win down the stretch. Charles Baggarly, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 8 Mar. 2024 She was afforded an opportunity to visit multiple campuses during Voice of the Youth’s Black Excellence College Tour in spring 2023. Marcus D. Smith, Sacramento Bee, 8 Mar. 2024 These quieter locations offer an opportunity to enjoy the blossoms without the crowds. Tim Meko, Washington Post, 8 Mar. 2024 But when Sadhu left in 2022, Dugar—intuiting another shift in the Indian palette—saw an opportunity to double down on regional cooking. Cnt Editors, Condé Nast Traveler, 8 Mar. 2024 When the government came to power in late 2022, forming the most right-wing coalition in Israel’s history, the Haredim sensed an opportunity. Mick Krever, CNN, 8 Mar. 2024 But Payne passes up another opportunity to flesh out Mary’s character. Greg Braxton, Los Angeles Times, 8 Mar. 2024 On the defensive end, Kansas needs to keep Houston off the boards, as rebounds allow the Cougars to get second-chance opportunities and help swing momentum in their favor. Shreyas Laddha, Kansas City Star, 8 Mar. 2024 The Heat will get another opportunity to face a winning team on Friday against the Thunder. Anthony Chiang, Miami Herald, 8 Mar. 2024

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'opportunity.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

Middle English oportunyte, borrowed from Anglo-French & Latin; Anglo-French oportunité, borrowed from Latin opportūnitāt-, opportūnitās, from opportūnus "convenient, opportune" + -itāt-, -itās -ity

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of opportunity was in the 14th century

Dictionary Entries Near opportunity

Cite this Entry

“Opportunity.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/opportunity. Accessed 19 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

opportunity

noun
op·​por·​tu·​ni·​ty ˌäp-ər-ˈt(y)ü-nət-ē How to pronounce opportunity (audio)
plural opportunities
1
: a favorable combination of circumstances, time, and place
2
: a chance to better oneself

More from Merriam-Webster on opportunity

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