Opportunist

usgb/ˌɑːpərˈtuːnɪst/
noun

A person who takes advantage of opportunities as and when they arise, regardless of planning or principle.

Many view him as a political opportunist, willing to switch sides for personal gain.
Visual representation of "opportunist" - A person who takes advantage of opportunities as and when they arise, regardless of planning or principle.

Often appears as...

  • political opportunist
  • selfish opportunist

Usage tips

Disapproving

Definition 1 of 2
Visual representation of "opportunist"
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Negative Implication

Often implies that the person lacks ethics or principles when taking advantage of situations.

Illustration for Negative Implication
Leaders criticized his opportunist dealings during the crisis.
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Strategic vs. Opportunistic

Unlike strategic people, opportunists don't have long-term plans and may seem unpredictable.

Illustration for Strategic vs. Opportunistic
He's not strategic but an opportunist, seizing any chance that comes.
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Contextual Usage

An opportunist is often associated with seizing unexpected, sometimes controversial, opportunities.

Illustration for Contextual Usage
The city's housing crisis turned her into a real estate opportunist.
Visual representation of the word "Opportunist"

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