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
Studying abroad provides a great opportunity to learn a foreign language.
There were many missed opportunities (to score) throughout the game.
I'd like to take this opportunity to thank everyone.
The dog ran away at every opportunity. [= whenever it was able to]
at the first/earliest opportunity [= as soon as we are able to]
This is a golden opportunity to buy. [= an excellent chance to buy]
2
: a good chance for advancement or progress
the land of opportunity
Be ready when opportunity knocks. [= when the chance to do something occurs]
There are fewer job opportunities this year for graduates.
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
For adventurous types, there are water sports, including diving and kiteboarding, through the Aquatic Center and Kite Club Puntacana; as well as the opportunity to take a polo lesson or ride a horse at Puntacana Polo Club and Equestrian Center.
—Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 11 June 2026
Coach Rachel Monroe called a timeout to try to set up one last offensive opportunity, but Hagan immediately forced a turnover off the restart whistle, and the Timberwolves held possession for the final moments before the team sprinted towards goalie Lila Zahurak to celebrate.
—Matt Goisman, Boston Herald, 11 June 2026
For Portugal’s Vitinha, 26, Brazil’s Vinicius Junior and Norway’s Haaland, both 25, and France’s Michael Olise, 24, there might be no better opportunity to seize.
—Oliver Kay, New York Times, 11 June 2026
Similarly compelling is ‘Home Going,’ in which Clemmons traces her father’s family’s migration to Los Angeles in the 1970s, motivated by the promise of economic opportunities that had previously seemed out of reach for Black people.
—Literary Hub, 11 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for opportunity
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Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 11 June 2026
Coach Rachel Monroe called a timeout to try to set up one last offensive opportunity, but Hagan immediately forced a turnover off the restart whistle, and the Timberwolves held possession for the final moments before the team sprinted towards goalie Lila Zahurak to celebrate.
—Matt Goisman, Boston Herald, 11 June 2026
For Portugal’s Vitinha, 26, Brazil’s Vinicius Junior and Norway’s Haaland, both 25, and France’s Michael Olise, 24, there might be no better opportunity to seize.
—Oliver Kay, New York Times, 11 June 2026
Similarly compelling is ‘Home Going,’ in which Clemmons traces her father’s family’s migration to Los Angeles in the 1970s, motivated by the promise of economic opportunities that had previously seemed out of reach for Black people.
—Literary Hub, 11 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for opportunity
Cite this Entry
“Opportunity.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/opportunity. Accessed 11 Jun. 2026.
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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