What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
opportunistic
Example
The politician was accused of being opportunistic, changing his stance on issues to gain votes. [opportunistic: adjective]
Example
The company took an opportunistic approach to expand its business during the pandemic. [opportunistic: adjective]
cunning
Example
The thief used cunning tactics to steal the valuable painting from the museum. [cunning: noun]
Example
She was known for her cunning ability to negotiate deals and get what she wanted. [cunning: adjective]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Opportunistic is more commonly used than cunning in everyday language, especially in business or political contexts. Cunning is less common and has a stronger negative connotation.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between opportunistic and cunning?
Both opportunistic and cunning can be used in formal and informal contexts, but opportunistic is more versatile and can be used in a wider range of contexts.
