What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
profiteer
Example
The company was accused of being a profiteer during the pandemic by selling essential items at inflated prices. [profiteer: noun]
Example
He decided to profiteer from the housing market crash by buying up properties and reselling them at a higher price. [profiteering: verb]
opportunist
Example
He's an opportunist who will do whatever it takes to get ahead in his career. [opportunist: noun]
Example
She took advantage of the company's restructuring to secure a promotion for herself. [opportunist: adjective]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Opportunist is more commonly used than profiteer in everyday language. Opportunist is versatile and can be used in various contexts, while profiteer is less common and typically reserved for more specific situations.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between profiteer and opportunist?
Both profiteer and opportunist are generally considered informal words, but profiteer may be seen as more formal due to its association with legal and economic contexts.
