opportunity
- 01 A2 Elementary
a situation that makes it possible for you to do something you want to do.
a favourable juncture of circumstances that provides a possibility for action or progress.
Simple“The internship is a great opportunity to learn how a real office works.”
In context“The sudden vacancy in the marketing department presented a unique opportunity for the junior analyst to demonstrate her leadership potential.”
UsageCommonly followed by the 'to' infinitive or the preposition 'for'.
PitfallI 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 - 02 B1 Intermediate
a chance to improve your life, get a better job, or make money.
a set of circumstances conducive to professional advancement, social progress, or financial gain.
Simple“Many people move to big cities looking for better job opportunities.”
In context“The trade agreement opened up significant commercial opportunities for small businesses looking to export their goods to European markets.”
- 03 C1 Advanced
the quality of happening at exactly the right time.
the quality of being opportune or well-timed; the state of being appropriate to the circumstances.
Simple“The opportunity of his arrival saved us from a very awkward conversation.”
In context“The sheer opportunity of the rainstorm allowed the soldiers to retreat under the cover of limited visibility.”
Teacher's tipThis sense is less common in modern speech; learners will usually encounter it in formal writing or literature.
SynonymstimelinessconvenienceAntonyms
Usage opportunities to test · opportunity to study · opportunity to move
From opportune + -ity, from Middle French opportunité, from Latin opportūnitās.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.