An opportunity is a situation in which it is possible for you to do something that you want to do.
I had an opportunity to go to New York and study.
The best reason for a trip to London is the super opportunity for shopping.
I want to see more opportunities for young people. [+ for]
...equal opportunities in employment.
Synonyms: chance, opening, time, turn More Synonyms of opportunity
2. See also photo opportunity
opportunity in British English
(ˌɒpəˈtjuːnɪtɪ)
nounWord forms: plural-ties
1.
a favourable, appropriate, or advantageous combination of circumstances
2.
a chance or prospect
opportunity in American English
(ˌɑpərˈtunəti; ˌɑpərˈtjunəti)
nounWord forms: pluralˌopporˈtunities
1.
a combination of circumstances favorable for the purpose; fit time
2.
a good chance or occasion, as to advance oneself
Word origin
ME opportunite < OFr opportunité < L opportunitas < opportunus: see opportune
COBUILD Collocations
opportunity
acquisition opportunity
amazing opportunity
ample opportunity
another opportunity
at the earliest opportunity
be given the opportunity
business opportunity
career opportunities
clear opportunity
commercial opportunity
educational opportunity
endless opportunities
exciting opportunity
exploit opportunities
export opportunity
fantastic opportunity
genuine opportunity
get the opportunity
good opportunity
grasp the opportunity
great opportunity
growth opportunities
huge opportunity
ideal opportunity
limited opportunities
many opportunities
networking opportunities
opportunities available
provide an opportunity
pursue opportunities
rare opportunity
real opportunity
relish the opportunity
represent an opportunity
seek opportunities
seize an opportunity
spot an opportunity
squander the opportunity
tremendous opportunity
unexpected opportunity
unique opportunity
welcome the opportunity to
wonderful opportunity
work opportunities
Examples of 'opportunity' in a sentence
opportunity
You are so switched on at work that you see opportunities others miss.
The Sun (2016)
It means more opportunities for young people to mix with those from different backgrounds.
The Sun (2016)
So it was a good opportunity to go out there.
Times, Sunday Times (2017)
New and interesting opportunities open up and you turn them into a personal success story.
The Sun (2017)
Opportunities for employment are limited for a man with his particular skill set.
Times, Sunday Times (2016)
We see great opportunities for both organisations.
Times, Sunday Times (2016)
She appealed for more youth centres and job opportunities for young people as alternative ways to combat radicalisation.
Times, Sunday Times (2016)
It is a wonderful job and an opportunity to go and work with some of the best players in the country.
The Sun (2016)
Their relationship changed from 2013 where they were given equal opportunity and then again in 2014when they could win races and the championship.
The Sun (2016)
Tshibola is hoping to use his FA Cup chance as an opportunity to prove he deserves regular football.
The Sun (2017)
Employment opportunities and the prospects of young people must be a clear priority.
Times, Sunday Times (2012)
Society is changing and is giving more people opportunities.
Times, Sunday Times (2008)
Your mind is sharp and you see opportunities that other people miss.
The Sun (2012)
It is possible that opportunity maximising can be at least as important.
Tom Cannon Basic Marketing. Principles and Practice (1986)
You want to take your chance and opportunity.
Times, Sunday Times (2006)
The opening half was fairly equal with opportunities at either end.
Times, Sunday Times (2012)
We pride ourselves on giving the skills and opportunities to go all the way to the top.
The Sun (2011)
You have to look at the employment opportunities.
Times, Sunday Times (2013)
It is not a system set up for giving people equal opportunity.
Times, Sunday Times (2016)
They can see the opportunities for their businesses and are acting on them now.
Times, Sunday Times (2016)
He said he also asked about possible tennis coaching opportunities for a relative.
Times, Sunday Times (2014)
You recognise opportunities and a chance to learn a new language could be good for you.
The Sun (2009)
They had the opportunity to go into the apartment.
Times, Sunday Times (2007)
We are then able to provide employment opportunities and are empowering people to earn an income.
Times, Sunday Times (2014)
It is easier to recognise genuine people and true opportunities.
The Sun (2009)
New opportunities make it seem like the world's your oyster.
The Sun (2016)
New opportunities beckon, so try to remain calm.
The Sun (2015)
Borrowers in financial difficulties should always contact their mortgage lender at the earliest opportunity to see whether a more manageable payment plan can be agreed.
Times, Sunday Times (2011)
The most exciting prospect will bring opportunities for us here and in the US very quickly.
Times, Sunday Times (2010)
Quotations
When the cat's away, the mice will play
Never look a gift horse in the mouth
When one door shuts, another door opens
Strike while the iron is hot
There is no time like the present
He who hesitates is lost
In other languages
opportunity
British English: opportunity /ˌɒpəˈtjuːnɪtɪ/ NOUN
An opportunity is a situation in which it is possible for you to do something that you want to do.
I had an opportunity to study abroad.
American English: opportunity
Arabic: فُرْصَّةٌ
Brazilian Portuguese: oportunidade
Chinese: 机会
Croatian: prilika
Czech: příležitost
Danish: mulighed
Dutch: gelegenheid
European Spanish: oportunidad
Finnish: tilaisuus mahdollisuus
French: chance
German: Gelegenheit
Greek: ευκαιρία
Italian: opportunità
Japanese: 機会
Korean: 기회
Norwegian: mulighet
Polish: możliwość
European Portuguese: oportunidade
Romanian: oportunitate
Russian: возможность
Latin American Spanish: oportunidad
Swedish: möjlighet
Thai: โอกาส
Turkish: fırsat olanak
Ukrainian: можливість
Vietnamese: cơ hội
Chinese translation of 'opportunity'
opportunity
(ɔpəˈtjuːnɪtɪ)
n(c/u)
机(機)会(會) (jīhuì) (个(個), gè)
to take the opportunity of doing sth or to do sth趁机(機)会(會)做某事 (chèn jīhuì zuò mǒushì)
at the first opportunity一有机(機)会(會) (yī yǒu jīhuì)
All related terms of 'opportunity'
equality of opportunity
机(機)会(會)均等 jīhuì jūnděng
at the first opportunity
一有机(機)会(會) yī yǒu jīhuì
if the need/opportunity arises
一旦有需要/机(機)会(會) yīdàn yǒu xūyào/jīhuì
an opportunity to meet all kinds of people
与(與)各种(種)各样(樣)的人见(見)面的机(機)会(會) yǔ gè zhǒng gè yàng de rén jiànmiàn de jīhuì
to take the opportunity of doing sth or to do sth
趁机(機)会(會)做某事 chèn jīhuì zuò mǒushì
(noun)
Definition
a good chance or prospect
I was given an opportunity to bathe and shower.I had the opportunity to go abroad and study.
Synonyms
chance
All eligible people will get a chance to vote.
opening
All she needed was an opening to show her capabilities.
time
It seemed like a good time to tell her.
turn
Let each child have a turn at fishing.
hour
break (informal)
The rain was a lucky break for the American.
moment
At this moment a car stopped outside the house.
window
possibility
There is still a possibility of unrest in the country.
occasion
It is always an occasion for setting out government policy.
slot (informal)
Visitors can book a time slot a week or more in advance.
scope
He believed in giving his staff scope for initiative.
look-in (informal)
opRtunET (textmessaging)
proverbs
When the cat's away, the mice will playNever look a gift horse in the mouthWhen one door shuts, another door opensStrike while the iron is hotThere is no time like the presentHe who hesitates is lost
Additional synonyms
in the sense of break
Definition
a fortunate opportunity, esp. to prove oneself
The rain was a lucky break for the American.
Synonyms
stroke of luck,
chance,
opportunity,
advantage,
fortune,
opening
in the sense of moment
Definition
a specific instant or point in time
At this moment a car stopped outside the house.
Synonyms
time,
point,
stage,
instant,
point in time,
hour,
juncture
in the sense of occasion
Definition
a suitable time or opportunity to do something
It is always an occasion for setting out government policy.
Synonyms
opportunity,
chance,
time,
opening,
window
Synonyms of 'opportunity'
opportunity
Explore 'opportunity' in the dictionary
Additional synonyms
in the sense of opening
Definition
a chance or opportunity
All she needed was an opening to show her capabilities.
Synonyms
opportunity,
chance,
break (informal),
time,
place,
moment,
window,
occasion,
look-in (informal)
in the sense of possibility
Definition
the state of being possible
There is still a possibility of unrest in the country.
Synonyms
likelihood,
chance,
risk,
odds,
prospect,
liability,
hazard,
probability
in the sense of scope
Definition
opportunity for using abilities
He believed in giving his staff scope for initiative.
Synonyms
opportunity,
room,
freedom,
play,
chance,
space,
possibility,
liberty,
latitude,
elbowroom,
leeway
in the sense of slot
Definition
a place in a series or scheme
Visitors can book a time slot a week or more in advance.
Synonyms
place,
time,
space,
spot,
opening,
position,
window,
vacancy,
niche
in the sense of time
Definition
a suitable moment
It seemed like a good time to tell her.
Synonyms
occasion,
point,
moment,
hour,
stage,
instance,
instant,
point in time,
juncture
in the sense of turn
Definition
the right or opportunity to do something in an agreed order or succession