What does opportunist mean?
An opportunist is a person who recognizes and exploits favorable circumstances, often for personal advantage. The word commonly carries a negative implication: the opportunist may be flexible, persuasive, and effective in changing situations, but may also be willing to switch loyalties, evade responsibilities, or compromise important principles. In political and business contexts, calling someone an opportunist suggests that their behavior is driven by convenience or self-interest rather than by a stable policy or genuine concern for a wider good. The related adjective opportunistic describes actions taken mainly in response to immediate advantage. Although “opportunist” can sometimes suggest useful adaptability, its overall tone is usually critical, so it is more evaluative than the neutral word “pragmatist.”
A person who seeks to benefit from favorable circumstances, especially without regard to consistent principles or the interests of others.
"His reputation as an opportunist made it difficult to trust his promises."
Usually critical; it often implies cynical use of changing circumstances for personal gain.
Taking advantage of favorable circumstances or immediate benefits, often in a manner that appears self-serving.
"The party made an opportunistic appeal to voters' economic concerns."
Often used to describe a decision, move, or appeal that is motivated by present advantage rather than principle.
The plural is used for more than one person who behaves opportunistically.
"Several opportunists attempted to profit from the confusion."
An opportunist turns changing circumstances to personal advantage; the word can describe strategic adaptability, but it often implies a willingness to abandon principles.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does opportunist come from?
The word comes through French opportuniste from Latin opportunus, meaning “suitable” or “advantageous,” a term associated with the idea of a favorable opportunity. The suffix -ist was added to indicate a person associated with a particular practice or outlook. English later developed the closely related forms opportunity, opportune, opportunism, and opportunistic from the same Latin root.
Related word forms
How opportunist is actually used
The term is often critical or disapproving, implying that the person benefits from circumstances in a cynical or self-serving way. It can be less pejorative when it means someone alert to useful opportunities and able to act quickly.
Easily confused with opportunist
An opportunity is a favorable chance or set of circumstances, whereas an opportunist is a person who exploits such chances.