opportunity
n.-
1 a chance to do something (n.) A2 Elementarya 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.
ExampleThe internship is a great opportunity to learn how a real office works.
ExampleThe 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.
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2 advancement or profit (n.) B1 Intermediatea 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.
ExampleMany people move to big cities looking for better job opportunities.
ExampleThe trade agreement opened up significant commercial opportunities for small businesses looking to export their goods to European markets.
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3 good timing (n.) C1 Advanced Formalthe quality of happening at exactly the right time.
the quality of being opportune or well-timed; the state of being appropriate to the circumstances.
ExampleThe opportunity of his arrival saved us from a very awkward conversation.
ExampleThe 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.
- timeliness
- convenience
From opportune + -ity, from Middle French opportunité, from Latin opportūnitās.