opportunism

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

/ ˌɒp ərˈtu nɪz əm, -ˈtyu- /

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See synonyms for: opportunism / opportunist on Thesaurus.com

noun

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.

QUIZ

THINGAMABOB OR THINGUMMY: CAN YOU DISTINGUISH BETWEEN THE US AND UK TERMS IN THIS QUIZ?

Do you know the difference between everyday US and UK terminology? Test yourself with this quiz on words that differ across the Atlantic.

Question 1 of 7

In the UK, COTTON CANDY is more commonly known as…

candystring

candyfloss

candypuff

TAKE THE QUIZ TO FIND OUT

Origin of opportunism

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

OTHER WORDS FROM opportunism

op·por·tun·ist, noun

Words nearby opportunism

oppilate, oppo, opponency, opponent, opportune, opportunism, opportunist, opportunistic, opportunistic infection, opportunity, opportunity cost

How to use opportunism in a sentence

Sadly, localized, dedicated expertise in planning and development control has become almost extinct in the face of commercial opportunism.
A legacy of landmark buildings in Malaysia and Singapore|Kara Baskin|June 30, 2021|MIT Technology Review
For some, SSPs’ resilience is explained by outward-looking opportunism in the most commoditized part of the ad tech market.
‘Still a viable proposition’: PubMatic CEO on plans to grow beyond a commoditized market|Seb Joseph|April 2, 2021|Digiday
In 2020, they faced shrinking revenue streams, the need to master new channels and the delicate tightrope walk of projecting empathy rather than opportunism in the face of the coronavirus crisis and social unrest.
The Martin Agency, Sweetgreen and Condé Nast are Digiday Awards finalists|Digiday Awards|December 8, 2020|Digiday
Given the public profile of the Proud Boys and the likelihood that whoever’s sending these emails has access to a voter file, this appears to be opportunism.
U.S. government concludes Iran was behind threatening emails sent to Democrats|Ellen Nakashima, Amy Gardner, Isaac Stanley-Becker, Craig Timberg|October 22, 2020|Washington Post

Past presidents have used the institution not for public good but political opportunism.
Trump Isn’t the First President to Use His Postmaster for Politics|Fiona Zublin|August 21, 2020|Ozy
The press would blow the whistle on this naked opportunism, and the flip-flop police would beat him senseless.
The New Era of Evolution Helps Pols Switch Stance on Issues from Gay Marriage to Immigration|Howard Kurtz|April 3, 2013|DAILY BEAST
Where Rand Paul led, other Republicans followed: some out of conviction, some out of opportunism, and some out of fear.
Why You Shouldn't #StandWithRand|David Frum|March 7, 2013|DAILY BEAST
He will move upward in society through opportunism and submissiveness.
American Nightmare: Ralph Ellison’s ‘Invisible Man’ at 60|Nathaniel Rich|June 28, 2012|DAILY BEAST
There have been some truly disgusting displays of opportunism out there.
Conservatives Push Back Against Giffords Coverage|Howard Kurtz|January 9, 2011|DAILY BEAST
So those seeking to turn their opportunism into actual political power should beware their own hubris.
How to Beat the Demagogues|Michael Signer|March 27, 2010|DAILY BEAST
It takes advantage of every incident, with a noble opportunism.
By the Christmas Fire|Samuel McChord Crothers
Its opportunism was instrumental—its idealism was home and family and individual betterment.
A History of Trade Unionism in the United States|Selig Perlman
The Chamber thereupon voted the exile of the members of the families which Opportunism.
Encyclopaedia Britannica, 11th Edition, Volume 10, Slice 7|Various
He was certainly a man of genius, and he used that genius to found a political school based on extreme self-seeking opportunism.
Political and Literary essays, 1908-1913|Evelyn Baring
Their union with the Bolsheviki was from the first a compromise, based upon the political opportunism of both sides.
Bolshevism|John Spargo