# opportunistic

/ˌɑpɝˌtuˈnɪstɪk/ (US) · /ɒpətjuːnˈɪstɪk/ (UK) · CEFR B2 · Adjective

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/opportunistic
Updated: 2026-05-09

## Definition

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

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

## Examples

- He made an opportunistic grab for the last seat on the bus.
- The politician's opportunistic shift in policy was clearly designed to win over voters just weeks before the election.
- In the absence of a strong central government, various opportunistic factions began seizing control of local resources to consolidate their own power bases.

## Usage notes

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

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.