opportunity

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

noun

plural

opportunities 

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

We have been given a unique opportunity to right the wrongs inflicted by the pharmaceutical industry.

Read more on Salon

"I was aware that there was chaos in the palace due to renovations, and when I heard art was being moved, I saw an opportunity," he said.

Read more on BBC

Another source says the deputy is the "campaigner in chief" - it's a huge opportunity, but also, with Labour facing a very tricky set of elections in May, it's a tough prospect.

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The teams struck out 37 times and stranded 22 men on base, with both sides squandering opportunities to seal a victory.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

The Birmingham event would be a "valuable opportunity to share what's working and explore how we can scale up these kinds of approaches across the region," she said.

Read more on BBC

Related Words

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