opportunity

[ op-er-too-ni-tee, -tyoo- ]

noun

, plural op·por·tu·ni·ties.

1. an appropriate or favorable time or occasion:

   Their meeting afforded an opportunity to exchange views.

2. a situation or condition favorable for attainment of a goal.
3. a good position, chance, or prospect, as for advancement or success.

opportunity

/ ˌɒpəˈtjuːnɪtɪ /

noun

1. a favourable, appropriate, or advantageous combination of circumstances
2. a chance or prospect

Word History and Origins

Origin of opportunity¹

First recorded in 1350–1400; Middle English opportunite, from Middle French, from Latin opportūnitās “convenience, fitness,” equivalent to opportūn(us) ( opportune ) + -itās -ity

Example Sentences

Speaking to BBC West, Mr McNeillie warned persistent absence deprives children not just of a good education but of the opportunity to build social skills.

From BBC

“It’s a moment of historic opportunity for the long-suffering people of Syria.”

From Los Angeles Times

The government said Sir Keir is pursuing closer ties with the two countries to increase investment, deepen defence and security ties, and drive growth and new opportunities to benefit working people.

From BBC

But it has, and now the US has to deal with the aftermath - a "historic opportunity" but a moment of "risk and uncertainty", according to Biden.

From BBC

"The collapse of the Assad regime, the tyranny in Damascus, offers great opportunity but also is fraught with significant dangers," he said.

From BBC

Related Words

• convenience
• event
• excuse
• freedom
• hope
• moment
• space
• time