opportunity

[ op-er-too-ni-tee, -tyoo- ]

noun

, plural op·por·tu·ni·ties.

1. an appropriate or favorable time or occasion:

   Their meeting afforded an opportunity to exchange views.

2. a situation or condition favorable for attainment of a goal.
3. a good position, chance, or prospect, as for advancement or success.

opportunity

/ ˌɒpəˈtjuːnɪtɪ /

noun

1. a favourable, appropriate, or advantageous combination of circumstances
2. a chance or prospect

Word History and Origins

Origin of opportunity¹

First recorded in 1350–1400; Middle English opportunite, from Middle French, from Latin opportūnitās “convenience, fitness,” equivalent to opportūn(us) ( opportune ) + -itās -ity

Example Sentences

Researchers examined the specific impact of education on Black Americans with regard to former educational policies and opportunities.

From Science Daily

Investors might put their money into funds that consider a company's efforts to improve air quality and conserve energy, or its equal employment opportunities and ethical business practices.

From Salon

"There is an opportunity for a venue if they wanted to do something a bit different," he says.

From BBC

"With my experience since '21," Verstappen says, "you just can’t afford bad results or massively missed opportunities that will at the end of the day really catch up with you in the championship."

From BBC

He kept at it for the next 21 years, which gives “Sabbath Queen” the rare opportunity to capture its subject in flight, so to speak.

From New York Times

Related Words

• convenience
• event
• excuse
• freedom
• hope
• moment
• space
• time