opportunistic

American  

[op-er-too-nis-tik, -tyoo-] / ˌɒp ər tuˈnɪs tɪk, -tyu- /

adjective

1. adhering to a policy of opportunism; practicing opportunism.

2. Pathology.

   1. (of a microorganism) causing disease only under certain conditions, as when a person's immune system is impaired.

   2. (of a disease or infection) caused by such an organism.

      Pneumocystis pneumonia is an opportunistic disease that often strikes victims of AIDS.

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opportunistic British  

/ ˌɒpətjʊˈnɪstɪk /

adjective

1. of or characterized by opportunism

2. med (of an infection) caused by any microorganism that is harmless to a healthy person but debilitates a person whose immune system has been weakened by disease or drug treatment

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Other Word Forms

• opportunistically adverb
• unopportunistic adjective

Etymology

Origin of opportunistic

First recorded in 1890–95; opportunist + -ic

Example Sentences

E. faecalis is an opportunistic pathogen often found in chronic infections such as diabetic foot ulcers.

From Science Daily

The company said it expects to maintain strong credit ratings, and that it will still have the flexibility to execute its capital-allocation priorities of further tuck-in deals, followed by opportunistic stock buybacks.

From The Wall Street Journal

But the one thing analysts agree on is that China has been an opportunistic buyer.

From Barron's

But Mike Watling from the Probation Service told the court he was not sure this was an opportunistic theft.

From BBC

How the Patriots can win: New England has to stay out of obvious passing situations against an opportunistic Chargers defense.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• cosmopolitan
• hardened
• practical
• selfish
• urbane