opportunist Definition
a person who takes advantage of opportunities as and when they arise, regardless of planning or principle.
Using opportunist: Examples
Take a moment to familiarize yourself with how "opportunist" can be used in various situations through the following examples!
Example
He is an opportunist who will do anything to get ahead in his career.
Example
She saw the chance to make a quick profit and took it, proving herself to be an opportunist.
Example
The politician was accused of being an opportunist who changed his views to suit his audience.
opportunist Synonyms and Antonyms
Synonyms for opportunist
- adventurer
- speculator
- self-seeker
- go-getter
- chancer
Antonyms for opportunist
- principled person
- idealistic person
Idioms Using opportunist
an opportunist at heart
a person who is naturally inclined to take advantage of opportunities as and when they arise
Example
He may seem like a principled person, but he's an opportunist at heart.
Example
He's always looking for ways to make money. He believes in making hay while the sun shines.
Example
She knew that she had to strike while the iron was hot and make her pitch to the investors before someone else did.
Phrases with opportunist
a person who takes advantage of political situations or events for personal gain
Example
The politician was seen as a political opportunist who would change his stance on issues to gain votes.
a person who takes advantage of economic situations or events for personal gain
Example
The businessman was seen as an economic opportunist who would take advantage of any market fluctuations to make a profit.
social opportunist
a person who takes advantage of social situations or events for personal gain
Example
The influencer was seen as a social opportunist who would use any opportunity to promote their brand.
Origins of opportunist
from French 'opportuniste', from 'opportun', meaning 'favorable'
Summary: opportunist in Brief
An 'opportunist' [ˌɒpətjuːˈnɪst] is a person who takes advantage of opportunities as and when they arise, regardless of planning or principle. It can refer to anyone from a self-seeking politician to a go-getter entrepreneur. Phrases like 'political opportunist' and 'economic opportunist' describe those who take advantage of specific situations, while idioms like 'make hay while the sun shines' and 'strike while the iron is hot' encourage taking advantage of favorable circumstances.
