opportunity
Americannoun
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an appropriate or favorable time or occasion.
Their meeting afforded an opportunity to exchange views.
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a situation or condition favorable for attainment of a goal.
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a good position, chance, or prospect, as for advancement or success.
noun
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a favourable, appropriate, or advantageous combination of circumstances
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a chance or prospect
Other Word Forms
Etymology
Origin of opportunity
First recorded in 1350–1400; Middle English opportunite, from Middle French, from Latin opportūnitās “convenience, fitness,” equivalent to opportūn(us) ( see opportune) + -itās -ity
Explanation
Seize the noun, opportunity, if you're talking about circumstances that allow you do to something you'd like to do. Wouldn't you love to have the opportunity to meet your favorite musician? When the situation is right for you to do something you're interested in doing, you have the opportunity to do it. The word comes from the Latin phrase, ob portum veniens "coming toward a port" which refers to a favorable wind blowing ships into the harbor. Think of an opportunity as something a good wind blew your way.
Vocabulary lists containing opportunity
Figurative Language in King's "I Have a Dream" Speech (1963)
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Words for a New Year
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"Principles of Business," Vocabulary from Chapter 1
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Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
Not to mention the opportunity to introduce Ann-Margret, an iconic actress, singer and dancer, “to millions of people in a different demographic than might’ve been exposed otherwise,” he says.
From Los Angeles Times • Jun. 10, 2026
Judge Roach had given them an opportunity to consider manslaughter charges, which would have carried a sentence of up to 20 years in prison.
From BBC • Jun. 10, 2026
“You get to tie this rapid growth opportunity at Dominion with NextEra’s capital and expertise to realize it,” Wynne said.
From The Wall Street Journal • Jun. 10, 2026
He believes investors aren’t pricing in significant market share for either company, “so if either ultimately captures larger market opportunity, the upside could be meaningful.”
From Barron's • Jun. 9, 2026
“I think it’s best if we sent our royal jackalope back to his home. It’ll give us another opportunity to look for Pili there.”
From "The Way to Rio Luna" by Zoraida Cordova
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
