Word
opportunity
Phoneticsop·por·tu·ni·ty, stress on the third syllable
US/ˌɑpɝˈtunəti/
UK/ɒpətjˈuːnɪti/
Definitions
01a chance to do something
A2 · Elementary Countable noun
n. a situation that makes it possible for you to do something you want to do.
n. a favourable juncture of circumstances that provides a possibility for action or progress.
日本語:機会※
“The internship is a great opportunity to learn how a real office works.”
“The sudden vacancy in the marketing department presented a unique opportunity for the junior analyst to demonstrate her leadership potential.”
Usage
Commonly followed by the 'to' infinitive or the preposition 'for'.
Pitfall
I have an opportunity of travel to Japan.
I have an opportunity to travel to Japan.
Use 'opportunity to' followed by a verb, or 'opportunity for' followed by a noun.
Synonyms
02advancement or profit
B1 · Intermediate Uncountable noun
n. a chance to improve your life, get a better job, or make money.
n. a set of circumstances conducive to professional advancement, social progress, or financial gain.
日本語:チャンス※
“Many people move to big cities looking for better job opportunities.”
“The trade agreement opened up significant commercial opportunities for small businesses looking to export their goods to European markets.”
03good timing
C1 · Advanced Uncountable noun Formal
n. the quality of happening at exactly the right time.
n. the quality of being opportune or well-timed; the state of being appropriate to the circumstances.
日本語:時機※
“The opportunity of his arrival saved us from a very awkward conversation.”
“The sheer opportunity of the rainstorm allowed the soldiers to retreat under the cover of limited visibility.”
Teaching tip
This sense is less common in modern speech; learners will usually encounter it in formal writing or literature.
Synonyms
Antonyms
Collocations
Common phrases and expressions where native English speakers use the word “opportunity” in context.
Etymology
From opportune + -ity, from Middle French opportunité, from Latin opportūnitās.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Word family
NOUN
ADJECTIVE
Idioms
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.A2 KeyIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.3.0–4.0TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 2.0–2.524–43TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.225–549
- Frequency
- Very common
- Level
- A2 · ElementaryOxford
- Updated
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QR code
englishreference.com/q/opportunity
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「日本語」 data: JMdict (EDRDG), CC BY-SA 4.0