opportunity
/ɒpəˈtjuːnɪti
/noun (plural opportunities)
1A time or set of circumstances that makes it possible to do something: increased opportunities for export the night drive gave us the opportunity of spotting rhinos...
- I think he should be given the opportunity of looking at these before I make an order.
- It was an opportunity of a lifetime and I was really pleased to have the chance to meet him.
- There will be plenty of opportunities for family swimming in the new swimming and training pools.
Synonyms
chance, lucky chance, good time, golden opportunity, time, occasion, moment, favourable time/occasion/moment, right set of circumstances, appropriate time/occasion/moment, suitable time/occasion/moment, opportune time/occasion/moment, opening, option, window (of opportunity), slot, turn, go, (clear) run, field day;
possibility, scope, freedom, latitude, room to manoeuvre, elbow room;
North American & Australian/New Zealand show;
Canadian a kick at the can/cat
informal shot, break, look-in
1.1A chance for employment or promotion: career opportunities in our New York headquarters...
- He went on to say that if the roads were built the employment opportunities would come.
- It is developing a course to help unemployed people get in on these new employment opportunities.
- He added that it was also good news for the people of Shap as there would be more employment opportunities.
Phrases
opportunity knocks
Origin
Late Middle English: from Old French opportunite, from Latin opportunitas, from opportunus (see opportune).