Opportunism: meaning, definitions and examples
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opportunism
[หษpษrหtunษชzษm ]
Definitions
political behavior
Opportunism is the practice of taking advantage of opportunities as they arise, often with little regard for principles or consequences. It can be seen in various contexts, such as politics, business, or personal relationships, where individuals may prioritize immediate gains over ethical considerations.
Synonyms
exploitation, pragmatism, self-serving.
Examples of usage
- His opportunism in securing funding angered his colleagues.
- The politician's opportunism during the crisis was criticized by the media.
- She was accused of opportunism for changing her stance to win votes.
business practice
In a business context, opportunism refers to the tendency of individuals or companies to take advantage of favorable situations to maximize profits, even if it means bending rules or acting unethically. This often leads to a competitive advantage, albeit sometimes at the expense of trust.
Synonyms
calculating, opportunity-seeking.
Examples of usage
- His opportunism was evident when he undercut his competitors' prices.
- Opportunism in market strategies can lead to backlash from consumers.
- Companies must be careful not to let opportunism compromise their integrity.
Interesting Facts
Etymology
- The word comes from the Latin 'opportunus,' which means favorable or advantageous, reflecting the idea of seizing chances.
- Originally, 'opportunism' described sailors seeking safe harbor, highlighting the connection with taking advantage of situations.
- The term gained popularity in the late 19th century in politics to describe individuals who shift their stance for personal gain.
Politics
- Opportunism is often criticized in political contexts, where leaders may change their beliefs to gain favor or power.
- Historically, certain politicians have been labeled 'opportunists' when they align with popular trends rather than sticking to principles.
- In party politics, this term can refer to members who prioritize personal agendas over party loyalty or public interest.
Psychology
- Studies show that opportunistic behavior can stem from a desire for immediate gratification, often leading to short-term thinking.
- Individuals who exhibit opportunism may struggle with empathy, focusing on their own benefits while neglecting others' needs.
- In group settings, opportunistic behaviors can create distrust and conflict, impacting team dynamics.
Business
- In the business world, successful entrepreneurs often exhibit opportunism by pivoting strategies based on market demands.
- Companies that quickly adapt to changes in consumer trends can capitalize on new opportunities, demonstrating effective opportunism.
- However, being labeled opportunistic in business can also damage reputation, especially if perceived as unethical.
Social Commentary
- Social theorists criticize opportunism as a trait that can undermine community solidarity by encouraging self-interest over collective well-being.
- In modern discussions, 'opportunism' often relates to social media, where individuals curate their online presence to maximize likes and followers.
- Cultural critiques suggest that prevalent opportunistic behavior can lead to a society overly focused on individual success at the expense of mutual support.
Translations
Translations of the word "opportunism" in other languages:
๐ต๐น oportunismo
๐ฎ๐ณ เค เคตเคธเคฐเคตเคพเคฆ
๐ฉ๐ช Opportunismus
๐ฎ๐ฉ opurtunisme
๐บ๐ฆ ะพะฟะพัััะฝัะทะผ
๐ต๐ฑ opportunizm
๐ฏ๐ต ใชใใใฅใใบใ
๐ซ๐ท opportunisme
๐ช๐ธ oportunismo
๐น๐ท fฤฑrsatรงฤฑlฤฑk
๐ฐ๐ท ๊ธฐํ์ฃผ์
๐ธ๐ฆ ุงูุงูุชูุงุฒูุฉ
๐จ๐ฟ opportunismus
๐ธ๐ฐ opportunizmus
๐จ๐ณ ๆบไผไธปไน
๐ธ๐ฎ opportunizem
๐ฎ๐ธ tรฆkifรฆrisstefna
๐ฐ๐ฟ ะผาฏะผะบัะฝััะปะดัะบ
๐ฌ๐ช แแแแแแแแแแแแ
๐ฆ๐ฟ imkanรงฤฑlฤฑq
๐ฒ๐ฝ oportunismo