opportunism
Americannoun
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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.
-
action or judgment in accordance with this policy.
Other Word Forms
Etymology
Origin of opportunism
1865–70; < Italian opportunismo, equivalent to opportun ( o ) (< Latin opportūnus; see opportune) + -ismo -ism
Explanation
Opportunism is taking advantage of situations and people in a self-centered way, without regard to the consequences. An opportunity is a chance for something beneficial, like a job or a new romance. Opportunities are good things, but someone who pursues opportunities a little too eagerly is guilty of opportunism. Opportunism is a self-serving, self-centered approach to situations that disregards how others feel. Opportunism doesn't necessarily break the law, but it does violate manners and decency.
Vocabulary lists containing opportunism
Power Suffix: -ism
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Mike Nichols (1931-2014) Tribute List
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The Suffix -ism, Part 3
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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.
Their entrepreneurial efforts in the U.S. seem to others evidence of the crass opportunism hidden beneath the patina.
From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 11, 2026
A smart pass sent Luke Northmore cantering into Sale territory, a perfectly-weighted cross-field kick found Rodrigo Isgro on the opposite wing and a fine piece of opportunism secured him the game's first try.
From BBC • Dec. 29, 2025
The fund employs a similar mix of caution and opportunism in its bond portfolio.
From Barron's • Oct. 29, 2025
But how much of this was opportunism and how much was true belief?
From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 18, 2025
During the first months, Senator Trueba shared the opportunism of his class.
From "The House of the Spirits: A Novel" by Isabel Allende
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.
