Opportunist: meaning, definitions and examples

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opportunist

 

[หŒษ’pษ™หˆtjuหnษชst ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Noun

person

A person who takes advantage of opportunities as and when they arise, regardless of planning or principle.

Synonyms

adventurer, chancer, self-seeker.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
opportunist

Someone who takes advantage of any situation to gain personal benefit, often without regard for principles or consequences. It usually carries a negative connotation.

  • He was an opportunist who didn't mind stepping on others to climb the corporate ladder
  • Everyone knew he was an opportunist, always looking out for his own interests
self-seeker

Someone who is primarily concerned with their own interests and benefits, without regard for others. It has a distinct negative implication.

  • She's such a self-seeker, never caring about anyone else's needs
  • He was seen as a self-seeker who would do anything for personal gain
adventurer

A person who seeks and enjoys exciting experiences or risky activities. This term is generally more positive and associated with curiosity and bravery.

  • She was an adventurer who loved exploring unknown places
  • He quit his job to become an adventurer, traveling the world in search of new adventures
chancer

A person who takes risks, often in a reckless or unscrupulous manner, to achieve personal gain. This word often has a negative connotation.

  • He's a chancer who tries to get away with things without considering the consequences
  • Don't trust that chancer; he's always looking for an easy way out

Examples of usage

  • He was an opportunist, always looking for the next big deal.
  • She was known as an opportunist, willing to do whatever it took to get ahead.
Context #2 | Adjective

behavior

Taking advantage of opportunities as and when they arise, often without regard for planning or principles.

Synonyms

expedient, pragmatic, self-serving.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
opportunist

Use when describing someone who takes advantage of any situation for their own benefit, often without regard to principles or consequences.

  • He's an opportunist who doesn't care who he hurts as long as he gets ahead
expedient

Use when referring to a method or action that is convenient and practical, although possibly improper or immoral.

  • Choosing to cut corners on safety regulations may be expedient, but it's not ethical
pragmatic

Use when describing someone or something focused on practical and realistic approaches rather than theoretical considerations.

  • She took a pragmatic approach to solving the problem, prioritizing what was most effective
self-serving

Use when describing actions or behaviors intended to benefit oneself, often at the expense of others, with a negative connotation.

  • His self-serving attitude made it difficult for others to trust him

Examples of usage

  • His opportunist behavior led to his quick success in the business world.
  • The opportunist approach to decision-making can sometimes yield unexpected results.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

  • The word comes from 'opportunus', a Latin term meaning 'favorable' or 'suitable', originally referring to favorable circumstances.
  • Historically, the term had a neutral connotation, referring simply to people who seize good opportunities.

Pop Culture

  • In many films and literature, characters are depicted as opportunists, often leading to dramatic conflicts and moral dilemmas.
  • Famous figures in history, such as certain political leaders, have been labeled opportunists for capitalizing on crises to gain power.

Psychology

  • Studies suggest that opportunistic behavior may stem from a lack of empathy, leading to decisions that prioritize personal gain above othersโ€™ needs.
  • This trait can be linked to Machiavellianism in personality studies, emphasizing strategic manipulation for self-interest.

Economics

  • In economic terms, opportunism can describe behaviors in markets where individuals or companies exploit situations for profit.
  • The concept of 'opportunistic investment' is common, where investors seek out undervalued assets during market downturns.

Literature

  • Literary works often examine the theme of opportunism, showcasing characters who navigate moral ambiguity to achieve their goals.
  • Famous novels like 'The Great Gatsby' explore the rise and fall of characters operating on opportunistic ideals within society.

Translations

Translations of the word "opportunist" in other languages:

๐Ÿ‡ต๐Ÿ‡น oportunista

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ณ เค…เคตเคธเคฐเคตเคพเคฆเฅ€

๐Ÿ‡ฉ๐Ÿ‡ช Opportunist

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ฉ oportunis

๐Ÿ‡บ๐Ÿ‡ฆ ะพะฟะพั€ั‚ัƒะฝั–ัั‚

๐Ÿ‡ต๐Ÿ‡ฑ oportunista

๐Ÿ‡ฏ๐Ÿ‡ต ๆ—ฅๅ’Œ่ฆ‹ไธป็พฉ่€…

๐Ÿ‡ซ๐Ÿ‡ท opportuniste

๐Ÿ‡ช๐Ÿ‡ธ oportunista

๐Ÿ‡น๐Ÿ‡ท fฤฑrsatรงฤฑ

๐Ÿ‡ฐ๐Ÿ‡ท ๊ธฐํšŒ์ฃผ์˜์ž

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฆ ุงู†ุชู‡ุงุฒูŠ

๐Ÿ‡จ๐Ÿ‡ฟ oportunista

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฐ oportunista

๐Ÿ‡จ๐Ÿ‡ณ ๆœบไผšไธปไน‰่€…

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฎ oportunist

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ธ tรฆkifรฆrissinni

๐Ÿ‡ฐ๐Ÿ‡ฟ ะพะฟะฟะพั€ั‚ัƒะฝะธัั‚

๐Ÿ‡ฌ๐Ÿ‡ช แƒแƒžแƒแƒ แƒขแƒฃแƒœแƒ˜แƒกแƒขแƒ˜

๐Ÿ‡ฆ๐Ÿ‡ฟ imkanรงฤฑ

๐Ÿ‡ฒ๐Ÿ‡ฝ oportunista

Word Frequency Rank

At rank #25,829, this word represents specialized academic or technical vocabulary. It's less frequently encountered but may be valuable in specific contexts.