opportunistic
|op-por-tu-nis-tic|
🇺🇸
/ˌɑːpərˈtuːnɪstɪk/
🇬🇧
/ˌɒpəˈtjuːnɪstɪk/
take advantage of opportunity
Etymology
'opportunistic' originates from French, specifically the word 'opportuniste', where 'opportun' (from Latin) meant 'timely, favorable'.
'opportunistic' changed from French 'opportuniste' (adjective/noun) and ultimately from Latin 'opportunus' (from ob- 'toward' + portus 'harbour'), and later formed in English by adding the adjective suffix '-ic' to 'opportunist'.
Initially it meant 'timely, favorable' (that which is suitable or comes at a good time); over time English developed the sense of 'taking advantage of favorable circumstances' (sometimes with a negative/unscrupulous nuance) and specialized medical senses (e.g., infections exploiting weakened hosts).
Meanings by Part of Speech
Adjective 1
taking immediate advantage of circumstances — often with a negative sense of exploiting situations or people without regard to principles or consistency.
His opportunistic business tactics earned him quick profits but damaged his reputation.
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Adjective 2
(Medical/biological) Relating to an organism or infection that takes advantage of weakened defenses or abnormal conditions to cause disease (e.g., opportunistic infection).
Opportunistic infections are a major concern for patients with compromised immune systems.
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Last updated: 2025/11/16 15:15