opportunist

[op-er-too-nist, -tyoo-]

noun

1. a person who practices opportunism, or the policy of adapting actions, decisions, etc., to effectiveness regardless of the sacrifice of ethical principles.

   He is an extreme opportunist and always thinks the ends justify the means.

opportunist

/ ˌɒpəˈtjuːnɪst /

noun

1. a person who adapts his actions, responses, etc, to take advantage of opportunities, circumstances, etc

adjective

1. taking advantage of opportunities and circumstances in this way

Other Word Forms

• opportunism noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of opportunist¹

First recorded in 1865–70; opportun(ism) ( def. ) + -ist ( def. )

Example Sentences

As Curry puts it, leaders at white-shoe law firms, elite universities and major foundations have repeatedly surrendered without a shot, revealing themselves as “traitors, cowards, rank opportunists or simply inept.”

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The suit calls Presley, 80, an “opportunist” and describes a tumultuous relationship between her and her daughter.

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But they are opportunists when it comes to food and will become conditioned to relying on trash left behind by humans, especially in areas bordering on their habitats or dens.

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These missives exploded the myths around a man who has for decades been derided as a cynical and unscrupulous opportunist that cheapened Presley’s legacy while enriching himself at his client’s expense.

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It also highlighted the role of opportunists who infiltrated the protests – described as "goons" – who "undermined the principles of peaceful assembly".

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Related Words

• carpetbagger