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

What was the creative opportunity you saw in making this movie?

From Los Angeles Times

While violence and persecution and economic opportunity remain the primary drivers pushing migrants into the U.S., the evidence increasingly also points to climate change as a growing factor.

From Salon

Krikorian, who declined to be interviewed for this story, offered the group a simple yet telling answer: The climate issue was a potent opportunity.

From Salon

“Which is why I’d like to take this opportunity to say to our new president-elect…” Then Colbert looked directly into the camera and said, “Pass.”

From Los Angeles Times

“Dolours and Marian were kind of I.R.A. nepo babies. If anybody’s gonna be the first woman who gets a better opportunity than anybody else, it’s going to be be Albert Price’s daughters.”

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

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