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
These examples are automatically compiled from online sources to illustrate current usage. Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Disney does not discuss the costs of specific productions and did not respond to an opportunity to comment. Caroline Reid, Forbes, 30 Oct. 2024 But full restriction could create a power struggle between you and the person self-harming — and that could rob you of the critical opportunity to meet that person’s need for connection and support that addresses the root of self-injurious behavior long term. Kristen Rogers, CNN, 30 Oct. 2024 With one week until Election Day, the top House Republican told the Washington Examiner that while Republicans have an opportunity to expand their slim five-seat majority, gone are the days for either party to hold a double-digit advantage over the other. Cami Mondeaux, Washington Examiner - Political News and Conservative Analysis About Congress, the President, and the Federal Government, 30 Oct. 2024 Leadership Development Process to fulfill this goal, equipping senior and mid-level leaders with the right mindset to overcome challenges and capitalize on opportunities. William Mullane, USA TODAY, 30 Oct. 2024 See all Example Sentences for opportunity 

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 6 Nov. 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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