opportunism
[op-er-too-niz-uh m, -tyoo-]
- 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.
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Origin of opportunism
Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2018
Examples from the Web for opportunism
Contemporary Examples
Where Rand Paul led, other Republicans followed: some out of conviction, some out of opportunism, and some out of fear.
There have been some truly disgusting displays of opportunism out there.
So those seeking to turn their opportunism into actual political power should beware their own hubris.
Rather, the most memorable images are often the result of opportunism and the projection powers of one Barack Obama.
Historical Examples
I have scorned this opportunism all my life, and now I regret having scorned it.
The Daughters of DanausMona Caird
That there may be no opportunism every citizen must be alive to the morality of politics.
Judges and RuthRobert A. Watson
No member of my family would ever be guilty of opportunism, and remain in my family.
AngelotEleanor Price
For that is just what opportunism wants—to keep these two questions in abeyance.
Anarchism and SocialismGeorge Plechanoff
Is not this the opportunism of both a Browning and a Gladstone?
Browning and His CenturyHelen Archibald Clarke
Word Origin and History for opportunism
n.
"policy of adopting actions to circumstances while holding goals unchanged," 1870, from opportune + -ism. Cf. opportunist.
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Online Etymology Dictionary, © 2010 Douglas Harper