opportunity
Americannoun
-
an appropriate or favorable time or occasion.
Their meeting afforded an opportunity to exchange views.
-
a situation or condition favorable for attainment of a goal.
-
a good position, chance, or prospect, as for advancement or success.
noun
-
a favourable, appropriate, or advantageous combination of circumstances
-
a chance or prospect
Etymology
Origin of opportunity
First recorded in 1350–1400; Middle English opportunite, from Middle French, from Latin opportūnitās “convenience, fitness,” equivalent to opportūn(us) ( see opportune) + -itās -ity
Explanation
Seize the noun, opportunity, if you're talking about circumstances that allow you do to something you'd like to do. Wouldn't you love to have the opportunity to meet your favorite musician? When the situation is right for you to do something you're interested in doing, you have the opportunity to do it. The word comes from the Latin phrase, ob portum veniens "coming toward a port" which refers to a favorable wind blowing ships into the harbor. Think of an opportunity as something a good wind blew your way.
Vocabulary lists containing opportunity
Figurative Language in King's "I Have a Dream" Speech (1963)
Looking to grow your vocabulary? Check out this interactive, curated word list from our team of English language specialists at Vocabulary.com – one of over 17,000 lists we've built to help learners worldwide!
Words for a New Year
Interested in learning more words like this one? Our team at Vocabulary.com has got you covered! You can review flashcards, quiz yourself, practice spelling, and more – and it's all completely free to use!
"Principles of Business," Vocabulary from Chapter 1
Want to remember this word for good? Start your learning journey today with our library of interactive, themed word lists built by the experts at Vocabulary.com – we'll help you make the most of your study time!
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
If the asteroid truly represents the metallic interior of an early world, it could provide researchers with a rare opportunity to study material similar to what lies deep inside rocky planets such as Earth.
From Science Daily • May 26, 2026
"The US stands ready and prepared to help do whatever we can to help facilitate the end of this war, and hopefully the opportunity will present itself at some point," Rubio said.
From Barron's • May 26, 2026
“Libertarian conventions are an opportunity for some people to do a little bit of peacocking,” Nekhaila said.
From The Wall Street Journal • May 25, 2026
If I get the opportunity to lead the group, my biggest thing is to make sure we're never in that type of position again.
From BBC • May 25, 2026
Penelope took the opportunity to pass her a note.
From "The Interrupted Tale" by Maryrose Wood
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
