opportunist

[ op-er-too-nist, -tyoo- ]

noun

1. a person who practices opportunism, or the policy of adapting actions, decisions, etc., to effectiveness regardless of the sacrifice of ethical principles:

   He is an extreme opportunist and always thinks the ends justify the means.

opportunist

/ ˌɒpəˈtjuːnɪst /

noun

1. a person who adapts his actions, responses, etc, to take advantage of opportunities, circumstances, etc

adjective

1. taking advantage of opportunities and circumstances in this way

Derived Forms

• ˌopporˈtunism, noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of opportunist¹

First recorded in 1865–70; opportun(ism) ( def ) + -ist ( def )

Example Sentences

To others he was an opportunist, a rockstar and Robin Hood character.

From BBC

"It was back to his real love. He is not an opportunist, he just wants to improve the club."

From BBC

After joining the SNP, and news emerged about previous time she had spent with Scottish Labour, she responded: “I am not an opportunist, I want to work with whoever will deliver for Scotland.”

From BBC

But perhaps most importantly, to keep rivals and opportunists at bay.

From BBC

The thing that's important to understand about Putin is he's an opportunist and he's a tactician, not a strategist.

From Salon

Related Words

• carpetbagger