opportunism

American  

[op-er-too-niz-uhm, -tyoo-] / ˌɒp ərˈtu nɪz əm, -ˈtyu- /

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.

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Other Word Forms

• opportunist noun

Etymology

Origin of opportunism

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

Example Sentences

Their entrepreneurial efforts in the U.S. seem to others evidence of the crass opportunism hidden beneath the patina.

From The Wall Street Journal

But a moderate successor need not emerge from mere political opportunism; one could arise from a deeply established theological foundation.

From The Wall Street Journal

"In Corsica the clans are not linked by family ties or rituals of lifelong loyalty, but by simple opportunism," Dominici says.

From BBC

And the reality: It was a superbly executed act of strategic opportunism that removed a vexing enemy.

From The Wall Street Journal

Now imagine the scale of such opportunism when the trade involves the EU and China or India.

From The Wall Street Journal