ENGLISH
REFERENCE

opportunistic

adj.
B2 Upper Intermediate US //ˌɑpɝˌtuˈnɪstɪk// UK //ɒpətjuːnˈɪstɪk// op·por·tunis·tic

adj. taking advantage of a situation to get what you want, often without thinking about what is right or fair.

adj. exploiting circumstances to gain an immediate advantage, often regardless of principles or consequences. Frequently describes behavior that is pragmatic rather than planned.


SIMPLE

He made an opportunistic grab for the last seat on the bus.

CONTEXTUAL

The politician's opportunistic shift in policy was clearly designed to win over voters just weeks before the election.

COMPLEX

In the absence of a strong central government, various opportunistic factions began seizing control of local resources to consolidate their own power bases.

Synonyms
Origin

From opportunist + -ic.

Usage

Commonly used in both political and biological contexts; in biology, it describes organisms that thrive when conditions suddenly become favorable.

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