opportunism
noun
op·por·tun·ism
ˌä-pər-ˈtü-ˌni-zəm 
-ˈtyü-
: the art, policy, or practice of taking advantage of opportunities or circumstances often with little regard for principles or consequences
Examples of opportunism in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
When a disabled family objects after years of successful participation, that is not opportunism.
—
Kelsey Maurine Brickl, The Orlando Sentinel, 4 Apr. 2026
At times, the ideological beliefs of some militants were mixed with financial opportunism, a motivation shared also by some politicians and military officers.
—Noo Saro-Wiwa, The Dial, 24 Mar. 2026
Although actual opportunities soon contracted and a Melbourne working class rapidly emerged, Victoria was noted for its economic individualism and opportunism and for its material progress and financial speculation, as well as for its imperial loyalty and political pragmatism.
—Britannica Editors, Encyclopedia Britannica, 19 Mar. 2026
The people of this district deserve better than political opportunism disguised as moderation.
—Seema Mehta, Los Angeles Times, 3 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for opportunism
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Kelsey Maurine Brickl, The Orlando Sentinel, 4 Apr. 2026
At times, the ideological beliefs of some militants were mixed with financial opportunism, a motivation shared also by some politicians and military officers.
—Noo Saro-Wiwa, The Dial, 24 Mar. 2026
Although actual opportunities soon contracted and a Melbourne working class rapidly emerged, Victoria was noted for its economic individualism and opportunism and for its material progress and financial speculation, as well as for its imperial loyalty and political pragmatism.
—Britannica Editors, Encyclopedia Britannica, 19 Mar. 2026
The people of this district deserve better than political opportunism disguised as moderation.
—Seema Mehta, Los Angeles Times, 3 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for opportunism
Cite this Entry
“Opportunism.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/opportunism. Accessed 8 Apr. 2026.
Copy CitationKids Definition
opportunism
noun
op·por·tun·ism
ˌäp-ər-ˈt(y)ü-ˌniz-əm
: the practice of taking advantage of opportunities or circumstances regardless of what one should do or what might happen
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