opportunism

[ˌɒpətjuːˈnɪzəm]

opportunism Definition

• 1. the practice of taking advantage of opportunities as and when they arise, regardless of planning or principle
• 2. the policy of adapting one's actions, decisions, etc., to exploit opportunities, advantages, or circumstances with little regard for principles or consequences

Using opportunism: Examples

Take a moment to familiarize yourself with how "opportunism" can be used in various situations through the following examples!

• Example

  The politician was accused of opportunism for changing his stance on the issue.

• Example

  The company's success was due to its opportunism in seizing new markets.

• Example

  The coach's opportunism paid off when he made a last-minute substitution that led to a winning goal.

opportunism Synonyms and Antonyms

Synonyms for opportunism

• expediency
• pragmatism
• realpolitik
• selfishness
• self-interest

Antonyms for opportunism

• idealism
• principle
• scrupulousness

Idioms Using opportunism

• a case of opportunism

  a situation where someone takes advantage of an opportunity without regard for principles or consequences

  Example

  The CEO's decision to lay off workers was seen as a case of opportunism, as it was motivated by short-term profit rather than long-term sustainability.

• opportunism at its finest

  a situation where someone takes advantage of an opportunity in a particularly ruthless or unethical way

  Example

  The company's hostile takeover bid was opportunism at its finest, as it involved using insider information and smear campaigns to gain an advantage over its competitors.

• an opportunist to the core

  someone who habitually takes advantage of opportunities without regard for principles or consequences

  Example

  The politician was described as an opportunist to the core, as he had a history of changing his positions and alliances to suit his own interests.

Phrases with opportunism

• political opportunism

  the practice of taking advantage of political opportunities or events to further one's own interests, often at the expense of others

  Example

  The opposition party accused the government of political opportunism in its handling of the crisis.

• economic opportunism

  the practice of taking advantage of economic opportunities or events to further one's own interests, often at the expense of others

  Example

  The company was criticized for its economic opportunism in exploiting cheap labor in developing countries.

• cultural opportunism

  the practice of taking advantage of cultural trends or events to further one's own interests, often at the expense of others

  Example

  The artist was accused of cultural opportunism for appropriating indigenous art styles without giving credit to the original creators.

Origins of opportunism

from French 'opportunisme', from 'opportuniste', meaning 'one who takes advantage of opportunities'

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Summary: opportunism in Brief

The term 'opportunism' [ˌɒpətjuːˈnɪzəm] refers to the practice of taking advantage of opportunities as and when they arise, regardless of planning or principle. It can be applied to various contexts, such as politics, economics, and culture, and is often associated with expediency and pragmatism. However, it can also have negative connotations of selfishness and lack of scruples, as exemplified by 'The CEO's decision to lay off workers was seen as a case of opportunism.'