opportunism

American  

[op-er-too-niz-uhm, -tyoo-] / ˌɒp ərˈtu nɪz əm, -ˈtyu- /

noun

1. the policy or practice, as in politics, business, or one's personal affairs, of adapting actions, decisions, etc., to expediency or effectiveness regardless of the sacrifice of ethical principles.

2. action or judgment in accordance with this policy.

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Other Word Forms

• opportunist noun

Etymology

Origin of opportunism

1865–70; < Italian opportunismo, equivalent to opportun ( o ) (< Latin opportūnus; opportune ) + -ismo -ism

Example Sentences

And the reality: It was a superbly executed act of strategic opportunism that removed a vexing enemy.

From The Wall Street Journal

Now imagine the scale of such opportunism when the trade involves the EU and China or India.

From The Wall Street Journal

The central figure is Renia, from Poland, played with innumerable nuances, as her character evolves from naiveté to ruthless opportunism, by the off-Broadway stalwart Marin Ireland.

From The Wall Street Journal

It is a story of opportunism and entrepreneurship.

From BBC

The fund employs a similar mix of caution and opportunism in its bond portfolio.

From Barron's