opportunism

[op-er-too-niz-uhm, -tyoo-]

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.

Other Word Forms

• opportunist noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of opportunism¹

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

Example Sentences

Federalizing the California Guard to quell a supposed insurrection on the streets of greater Los Angeles is a bold move of presidential showmanship and look-tough opportunism.

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But how much of this was opportunism and how much was true belief?

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Conservatism coevolved with the opportunism of its leaders and the character of the American people who voted for its politicians.

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I think there was just a lot of opportunism and exploitation, where people know that what they are saying isn’t true but they wield the language anyway.

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“It wasn’t by design. It was by opportunism.”

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