opportunist

Pronunciation: op-er-TOO-nist

noun

Difficulty: intermediate

Definition of opportunist

A person who takes advantage of circumstances, often in a self-serving or unprincipled way, to gain personal benefit or advantage.

Origin of opportunist

Language of origin: Latin

Root word: opportunus

Original meaning: favorable, convenient

How it evolved: Initially referring to favorable winds in sailing, the term evolved to describe someone who skillfully—or unscrupulously—capitalizes on favorable situations.

The word 'opportunist' derives from the Latin word 'opportunus,' meaning 'favorable' or 'convenient,' and was later adapted into modern usage in the 19th century to describe someone who takes advantage of favorable conditions.

First known use: 1870s

How to Remember opportunist

Think of 'opportunity' and how an ‘opportunist’ seizes every opportunity, often without regard for ethics or principles.

Synonyms for opportunist

  • exploiter
  • schemer
  • manipulator
  • self-seeker
  • strategist
  • opportuner
  • go-getter
  • advantage-taker

Antonyms of opportunist

  • altruist
  • idealist
  • principled person
  • philanthropist
  • humanitarian

opportunist in a Sentence

  1. As an opportunist, he was quick to capitalize on the company’s internal chaos to secure a promotion for himself.
  2. The opportunist politician shifted his stance on the issue as soon as public opinion began to change.
  3. While some admired her resourcefulness, others criticized her as an opportunist who prioritized personal gain over integrity.

opportunist in Literature & Culture

The word 'opportunist' is often used in literature and political discourse to critique individuals who prioritize personal gain over collective values, such as in critiques of Machiavellian characters.

Usage Notes

Opportunist often carries a negative connotation, implying a lack of integrity or moral principle. It is important to distinguish it from 'pragmatist,' which lacks such a negative judgment.

Why opportunist Matters for GRE & SAT

Understanding the nuanced connotation of 'opportunist' is essential for distinguishing it from similar terms like 'pragmatist,' a distinction often tested in GRE sentence equivalence and reading comprehension questions.

Word Family

opportunism (noun)
The practice of seeking advantage in every situation, often at the expense of ethics.
opportune (adjective)
Suitable or convenient for a particular occurrence; timely.
opportunistic (adjective)
Exploiting immediate opportunities, often without regard to principles or consequences.

Did You Know?

  • The concept of 'opportunism' was heavily discussed in political theory, particularly in debates about Marxism where opportunists were accused of compromising principles for short-term gains.
  • In biology, 'opportunist' is also used to describe organisms (like opportunistic pathogens) that exploit weakened hosts to thrive.
  • The term gained popularity in the 19th century, coinciding with the rise of industrial capitalism and debates about ethics in business.

More Vocabulary Words Starting with O

  • obdurate — stubborn; unyielding
  • obdurate — stubborn; unyielding
  • obeisance — reverence for an individual
  • obeisance — reverence for an individual
  • obfuscate — obscure or confuse
  • obfuscate — obscure or confuse
  • objective — Not influenced by personal feelings; based on facts
  • objective — Not influenced by personal feelings or opinions; impartial
  • objective — A thing aimed at or sought; not influenced by personal feelings
  • objective — Not influenced by personal feelings; based on facts