opportunist

American  

[op-er-too-nist, -tyoo-] / ˌɒp ərˈtu nɪst, -ˈtyu- /

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.

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opportunist British  

/ ˌɒpəˈtjuːnɪst /

noun

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

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adjective

1. taking advantage of opportunities and circumstances in this way

Other Word Forms

• opportunism noun

Etymology

Origin of opportunist

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

Example Sentences

Such opportunists will introduce inefficiency into the flow of traffic, and thousands of them—each driver trying to shave a few seconds off his trip—will slow everything down.

From The Wall Street Journal

Families "can easily be cheated by opportunists", she said.

From Barron's

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

From Los Angeles Times

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.

From Los Angeles Times

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.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• carpetbagger