Definition of opportunism in English:
opportunism
noun ˈɒpətjuːnɪz(ə)mˌɒpəˈtjuːnɪz(ə)mˌɑpərˈt(j)uˌnɪzəm
mass nounThe taking of opportunities as and when they arise, regardless of planning or principle.
he was accused of political opportunism
Example sentencesExamples
- For them it was nothing more than pure political opportunism.
- It hopes to cash in on a difficult situation - but its display of grisly opportunism appears only to have annoyed local residents.
- It appears that switching parties is the worst form of opportunism.
- Regardless of the opportunism, the Stones are still the greatest rock show on earth.
- Jeremy tells an epic tale of money, greed, opportunism and blind chance.
Synonyms
expediency, exploitation, taking advantage, Machiavellianism, manoeuvring, pragmatism, realism, unscrupulousness
striking while the iron is hot, making hay while the sun shines, making the best of a bad job
informal ad hocery
Definition of opportunism in US English:
opportunism
nounˌäpərˈt(y)o͞oˌnizəmˌɑpərˈt(j)uˌnɪzəm
The taking of opportunities as and when they arise, regardless of planning or principle.
he was accused of political opportunism
Example sentencesExamples
- Regardless of the opportunism, the Stones are still the greatest rock show on earth.
- Jeremy tells an epic tale of money, greed, opportunism and blind chance.
- For them it was nothing more than pure political opportunism.
- It appears that switching parties is the worst form of opportunism.
- It hopes to cash in on a difficult situation - but its display of grisly opportunism appears only to have annoyed local residents.
Synonyms
expediency, exploitation, taking advantage, machiavellianism, manoeuvring, pragmatism, realism, unscrupulousness