2
: a good chance for advancement or progress
Synonyms
Example Sentences
A phony war because its stated objective—eradicating terrorism—is impossible and serves to mask unstated, alarmingly open-ended goals, a kind of fishing expedition that provides an opportunity for America to display its intimidating arsenal …
—
John Edgar Wideman, Harper’s, March 2002
Nowadays my only opportunity for an old-fashioned, self-indulgent sulk comes when I’m traveling.
—Ian Frazier, Atlantic, March 2001
I’m handing you an opportunity in the heart of the city where the whole world’s heading: journalists, corporate leeches, Japanese tourists, Greco-Roman wrestlers.
—Gary Smith, Illustrated, 11 Sept. 2000
More than 90 percent of female senior managers believe that men’s and women’s opportunities remain unequal …
—Katha Pollitt, Atlantic, November 1997
You’ll have an opportunity to ask questions after the presentation.
When the opportunity came for her to prove that she could do the job, she was ready.
I had the rare opportunity of speaking to the president.
Studying abroad provides a great opportunity to learn a foreign language.
There are fewer job opportunities this year for graduates.
I would like to take this opportunity to thank everyone who helped me with this book.
He was given every opportunity to prove that he was trustworthy.
There is plenty of opportunity for advancement within the company.
See More
Recent Examples on the Web
The folks at the course already have made sure earning the rare opportunity won’t go to Sargent’s head.
—Mark Inabinett | Minabinett@al.com, al, 6 Apr. 2023
Don’t want to pass on such a rare opportunity to invest in timepieces that will last a lifetime?
—Maverick Li, Men’s Health, 6 Apr. 2023
Mack Weldon Ace Sweatshort Warmer weather means more opportunities to up your sweats game in the fresh air.
—Christian Gollayan, menshealth.com, 5 Apr. 2023
When opportunity knocks, though, a hungry actor answers.
—Peter Marks, Washington Post, 5 Apr. 2023
Not only will the animal defend her nest but has grown very hungry and will seize the opportunity to feed on the survivors.
—Leo Barraclough, Variety, 5 Apr. 2023
Whether talking to lawmakers, judges for an upcoming TEDxSanDiego talk, or the head of the Food and Drug Administration, Pelletier is always her product’s savviest cheerleader, never missing an opportunity to promote its feminist vibes.
—Maria Aspan, Fortune, 5 Apr. 2023
The best opportunity to avoid conspiratorial thinking may be the most labor-intensive.
—Stephanie Pappas, Scientific American, 5 Apr. 2023
After toiling in the minors for over 3,222 at-bats, Vosler had survived and carved out an opportunity with the 2023 Reds.
—Charlie Goldsmith, The Enquirer, 4 Apr. 2023
See More
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word ‘opportunity.’ Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Word History
Etymology
Middle English oportunyte, borrowed from Anglo-French & Latin; Anglo-French oportunité, borrowed from Latin opportūnitāt-, opportūnitās, from opportūnus «convenient, opportune» + -itāt-, -itās -ity
First Known Use
14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1
Time Traveler
The first known use of opportunity was
in the 14th century
Dictionary Entries Near opportunity
Cite this Entry
“Opportunity.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/opportunity. Accessed 13 Apr. 2023.
Share
More from Merriam-Webster on opportunity
Last Updated:
7 Apr 2023
— Updated example sentences
Subscribe to America’s largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!
Merriam-Webster unabridged
op·por·tu·ni·ty
(ŏp′ər-to͞o′nĭ-tē, -tyo͞o′-)
n. pl. op·por·tu·ni·ties
1. A favorable or advantageous circumstance or combination of circumstances.
2. A chance for progress or advancement, as in a career.
Synonyms: opportunity, occasion, opening, chance, break
These nouns refer to a favorable or advantageous circumstance or combination of circumstances. Opportunity is a favorable state of affairs or a suitable time: «If you prepare yourself … you will be able to grasp opportunity for broader experience when it appears» (Eleanor Roosevelt).
Occasion suggests the proper time for an action or purpose: «The celebration of the New Year is an occasion for optimism and hope» (Bill Clinton).
An opening is an opportunity affording a good possibility of success: She waited patiently for her opening, then proved she was ready to lead the group.
Chance often implies an opportunity that arises through luck or accident: Meeting each other at the coffee shop was a chance for us to chat.
A break is an often sudden piece of luck, especially good luck: The aspiring actor got his first big break in Hollywood.
American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, Fifth Edition. Copyright © 2016 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. All rights reserved.
opportunity
(ˌɒpəˈtjuːnɪtɪ)
n, pl -ties
1. a favourable, appropriate, or advantageous combination of circumstances
2. a chance or prospect
Collins English Dictionary – Complete and Unabridged, 12th Edition 2014 © HarperCollins Publishers 1991, 1994, 1998, 2000, 2003, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2011, 2014
op•por•tu•ni•ty
(ˌɒp ərˈtu nɪ ti, -ˈtyu-)
n., pl. -ties.
1. an appropriate or favorable time or occasion.
2. a situation or condition favorable for attainment of a goal.
3. a good chance or prospect, as for success.
Random House Kernerman Webster’s College Dictionary, © 2010 K Dictionaries Ltd. Copyright 2005, 1997, 1991 by Random House, Inc. All rights reserved.
opportunity
- El Dorado — A place offering fabulous wealth or opportunity (after the legendary place in South America, «the gilded one»).
- ease — First meant «opportunity, ability,» or «means to do something.»
- hint — First meant «an occasion or opportunity.»
- occasion — Once had the specific sense of «an opportunity for finding fault or giving offense.»
Farlex Trivia Dictionary. © 2012 Farlex, Inc. All rights reserved.
Opportunity
See Also: FORTUNE/MISFORTUNE, IMPOSSIBILITY
- Life was opening up … like an orchid in bloom —T. Coraghessan Boyle
- Opportunities, like eggs, don’t come but one at a time —Josh Billings
In Billings’ original dialect: “Oopportunitays … kum but one at a time.”
- Opportunity … it fell like a lucky coin at his feet —George Garrett
- Possibilities rising like new mountains —Richard Ford
- Sometimes opportunity knocks like a loud windburst; more often it arrives like a burglar and disappears before you realize it was there —Elyse Sommer
Similes Dictionary, 1st Edition. © 1988 The Gale Group, Inc. All rights reserved.
occasion
– opportunity – chance
1. ‘occasion’
An occasion is a particular time when something happens.
I remember the occasion very well.
There are occasions when you must refuse.
You often say that something happens on a particular occasion.
I think it would be better if I went alone on this occasion.
I met him only on one occasion.
An occasion is also an important event, ceremony, or celebration.
It was a wonderful end to an unforgettable occasion.
They have fixed the date for the big occasion.
2. ‘opportunity’ and ‘chance’
Don’t use occasion to refer to a situation in which it is possible for someone to do something. Instead, use opportunity or chance.
I am very grateful to have had the opportunity of working with Paul.
She put the phone down before I had a chance to reply.
opportunity
1. ‘opportunity’
An opportunity is a situation in which it is possible for something to be done. You talk about an opportunity for something or an opportunity to do something.
They must regard it as an opportunity for a genuine new start.
They don’t even give them the opportunity to become better.
You can also talk about an opportunity for doing something, especially if you use an adjective such as perfect or excellent in front of opportunity.
This was a marvellous opportunity for exchanging gossip with the other girls.
This provides an excellent opportunity for bird-watching.
You can also talk about the opportunity of doing something.
This gave him the opportunity of developing his talent as a teacher.
2. ‘no opportunity’
You can say there is no opportunity to do something.
I suppose you had no opportunity to bring it.
For some reason he had had no opportunity to eat the day before.
3. ‘chance’
Chance is used in a similar way to opportunity.
possibility
– opportunity
1. ‘possibility’
If there is a possibility of something happening or being true, it might happen or be true.
There was a possibility that they had taken the wrong road.
We must accept the possibility that we might be wrong.
If there is no possibility of something happening or being true, it cannot happen or be true.
There was now no possibility of success.
There is no possibility that he did that accidentally.
If you talk or think about the possibility of doing something, you are considering whether to do it.
He talked about the possibility of getting married.
Be Careful!
Don’t say ‘He talked about the possibility to get married.’
2. ‘opportunity’
When a situation makes it possible for someone to do something, don’t say that they have ‘the possibility to do‘ it. Say that they have the opportunity to do it or the opportunity of doing it.
You will have the opportunity to study several different subjects in your first year.
Sadly, I never had the opportunity of meeting him.
Collins COBUILD English Usage © HarperCollins Publishers 1992, 2004, 2011, 2012
ThesaurusAntonymsRelated WordsSynonymsLegend:
| Noun | 1. |  opportunity — a possibility due to a favorable combination of circumstances; «the holiday gave us the opportunity to visit Washington»; «now is your chance»
possibleness, possibility — capability of existing or happening or being true; «there is a possibility that his sense of smell has been impaired» brass ring — a rich opportunity or a prize; «he missed the brass ring at the Miami convention» day — a period of opportunity; «he deserves his day in court»; «every dog has his day» hearing, audience — an opportunity to state your case and be heard; «they condemned him without a hearing»; «he saw that he had lost his audience» occasion — an opportunity to do something; «there was never an occasion for her to demonstrate her skill» opening — opportunity especially for employment or promotion; «there is an opening in the sales department» room — opportunity for; «room for improvement» say — the chance to speak; «let him have his say» shot, crack — a chance to do something; «he wanted a shot at the champion» street — a situation offering opportunities; «he worked both sides of the street»; «cooperation is a two-way street» throw — a single chance or instance; «he couldn’t afford $50 a throw» |
Based on WordNet 3.0, Farlex clipart collection. © 2003-2012 Princeton University, Farlex Inc.
opportunity
noun chance, opening, time, turn, hour, break (informal), moment, window, possibility, occasion, slot, scope, look-in (informal), opRtunET (S.M.S.) I was given an opportunity to bathe and shower. I had the opportunity to go abroad and study.
Proverbs
«When the cat’s away, the mice will play»
«Never look a gift horse in the mouth»
«When one door shuts, another door opens»
«Strike while the iron is hot»
«There is no time like the present»
«He who hesitates is lost»
Collins Thesaurus of the English Language – Complete and Unabridged 2nd Edition. 2002 © HarperCollins Publishers 1995, 2002
opportunity
noun
A favorable or advantageous combination of circumstances:
The American Heritage® Roget’s Thesaurus. Copyright © 2013, 2014 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. All rights reserved.
Translations
příležitost
chancelejlighedmulighed
فرصت
tilaisuusmahdollisuus
prilikaprigoda
alkalom
tækifæri
機会
기회
laiku padarytasoportunistasoportunizmasprisitaikėlisprisitaikėliškumas
izdevība
priložnost
möjlighettillfälle
โอกาส
cơ hội
Collins Spanish Dictionary — Complete and Unabridged 8th Edition 2005 © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1971, 1988 © HarperCollins Publishers 1992, 1993, 1996, 1997, 2000, 2003, 2005
opportunity
[ˌɒpərˈtjuːnɪti] n
(in life, career) → opportunité f
more opportunities for women → plus d’opportunités pour les femmes
lack of opportunity → le manque d’opportunités
Collins English/French Electronic Resource. © HarperCollins Publishers 2005
opportunity
Collins German Dictionary – Complete and Unabridged 7th Edition 2005. © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1980 © HarperCollins Publishers 1991, 1997, 1999, 2004, 2005, 2007
Collins Italian Dictionary 1st Edition © HarperCollins Publishers 1995
opportunity
(opəˈtjuːnəti) – plural opporˈtunities – noun
a chance to do or a time for doing (something). an opportunity to go to Rome; You’ve had several opportunities to ask him.
Kernerman English Multilingual Dictionary © 2006-2013 K Dictionaries Ltd.
opportunity
→ فُرْصَّةٌ příležitost mulighed Gelegenheit ευκαιρία oportunidad tilaisuus chance prilika opportunità 機会 기회 gelegenheid mulighet możliwość oportunidade возможность möjlighet โอกาส fırsat cơ hội 机会
Multilingual Translator © HarperCollins Publishers 2009
opportunity
n. oportunidad, ocasión.
English-Spanish Medical Dictionary © Farlex 2012
Britannica Dictionary definition of OPPORTUNITY
:
an amount of time or a situation in which something can be done
:
chance
[count]
-
You’ll have an/the opportunity to ask questions after the presentation.
-
There were many missed opportunities (to score) throughout the game.
-
When the opportunity came for her to prove that she could do the job, she was ready.
-
I had the rare/unique opportunity of speaking to the president.
-
Studying abroad provides a great opportunity to learn a foreign language.
-
This sort of opportunity comes along once in a lifetime. = This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.
-
There are fewer job/employment opportunities this year for graduates.
-
This is a golden opportunity. [=an excellent chance to do or get something]
-
I would like to take this opportunity to thank everyone who helped me with this book.
-
He was given every opportunity to prove that he was trustworthy.
-
The dog ran away at every opportunity. [=whenever it was able to]
-
Please call us at your earliest opportunity. [=please call us as soon as you can]
-
We will correct the error at the first opportunity. [=as soon as we are able to]
[noncount]
-
There is plenty of opportunity for advancement within the company.
-
The contract provides us with a two-year window of opportunity. [=two years to do something that we want to do]
-
the land of opportunity [=a place where there are many opportunities; a place where people have many chances to succeed, achieve things, etc.]
-
You need to be ready when opportunity knocks. [=when you get the chance to do something you want to do]
equal opportunity employer
(US)
or British
equal opportunities employer
:
an employer who does not discriminate against people because of their race, religion, etc.
Indeed, she insinuated that I was perfectly willing to squander the safety of our family just because I couldn’t get a deal on batteries, wondering whether I’d ever heard the expression «opportunity cost.» ❋ Ralph Gardner Jr. (2011)
When Flair learned that Warrior was getting the title opportunity at SummerSlam instead of him, he launched another series of well-calculated mind games. ❋ Kevin Sullivan (2010)
NXT guys than talking about his title opportunity on Sunday. ❋ Unknown (2010)
If Povetkin takes another fight, tune-up or otherwise, he loses his title opportunity because the IBF will take away his mandatory ranking. ❋ Unknown (2010)
Triple H reminds Shawn that he still has his title opportunity with the Elimination Chamber. ❋ Unknown (2010)
Could have used some sort of verbal discussion from Jack Swagger pre-match to express what this title opportunity means to him. ❋ Unknown (2009)
Last Saturday night in Houston, Texas, Rocky Juarez had yet another title opportunity and was once again unable to capture a belt. ❋ Unknown (2009)
It was put over as unlucky for C.M. Punk and he still looked pretty good, so perhaps he’ll get another title opportunity sometime after the winner of No Mercy’s number one contender’s match gets their shot. ❋ Unknown (2008)
With a meaningless president, the opportunity is there for someone with character and principles to lead us out of this mess. ❋ Unknown (2009)
Don hadn’t returned the call because he assumed it was someone else messing with him, but this opportunity is a glimmer of hope. ❋ Samantha Zalaznick (2010)
I will cetainly be glad to «collect» an animal anytime the opportunity is available, because there have been many miles of briers, ticks, mosquitos, sand gnats, snakes, sweat and effort expended in between. ❋ Unknown (2009)
The first wave of e-commerce enthusiasts over-estimated and somewhat mis-guessed the short-run prospects, but the medium-term opportunity is real. ❋ Unknown (2009)
The raw material of the opportunity is the explosion of data from many sources that rarely finds a way inside traditional business intelligence systems. ❋ Dan Woods (2010)
I have a strong philosophic passion to bring quality private management to public services, and this opportunity is a good one. ❋ Unknown (2010)
«When my opportunity is there, be aggressive and take my shots.» — ❋ Unknown (2010)
He then toppled Rick Rude in a SummerSlam Steel Cage Match before uncharacteristically granting the Million Dollar Man another title opportunity, despite handily defeating him earlier in his reign. ❋ Kevin Sullivan (2010)
More and more it looks like the opportunity is there for the Cougars to recreate 1984 and find their way into the national title race. ❋ Unknown (2008)
I had the opportunity to bang [Kim Kardashian] but she already [made one] [sex tape]. ❋ GOD Of DOGS (2017)
«Hey! Can you please [file] these work [papers] and make these copies! This is a great opportunity! You should be glad [you got this]!!!! ❋ You Dundoit (2005)
Opportunity is [synonymous] with [chance]. ❋ Emeasoba George (2018)
«Opportunity has [landed] [on Mars].» ❋ Patteroast (2004)
«[Hey mate] look at that [hottie] over at the bar alone and about to buy a drink, there’s an [opportune]». ❋ JMADD (2007)
I have a friend with [benefits] because there are [not many] other opportunities [at this time]. ❋ Mike Diamond (2003)
John: “Can’t believe [Ann] [chose] Andrew over me. [What’s wrong] with me?”
Jim: “Damn, you’re the opportunity cock in this situation. Rip mate” ❋ Kim Jong Deux (2019)
At the restaurant, you are presented with a desert menu. Assuming that you only eat one desert, you have the choice between [chocolate mouse], ice cream and honey [crepes]. Let’s say you prefer ice cream to chocolate mouse, but honey crepes are your favorite. If you eat a honey [crepe], ice cream (which would have chosen had you not had crepes) is your opportunity cost.
Another example would be if two women that you fancied, Sarah and Alice, asked you out and you said yes to Sarah (assuming monogamy), going out with Alice is your opportunity cost. ❋ Anthonylebrun (2008)
A [car boot] is left open and some one steals an item from the inside of it. For example this could be [a box of chocolates] or your grandma. This would be [classed] as an opportunity crime. ❋ Jacob Mir (2006)
Q — Hey, dude. Why are there so many cameramen on the beach today?
A — Cause the [Octomom] is taking advantage of one of her «little opportunities» by pretending she actually takes her [brood] of fourteen to the beach on a regular basis for some good old-fashioned family fun.
Q — Ah! So, she’s pimping those [poor kids] out again. ❋ TsuDho (2009)
Английский[править]
Морфологические и синтаксические свойства[править]
| ед. ч. | мн. ч. |
|---|---|
| opportunity | opportunities |
opportunity
Существительное.
Корень: —.
Произношение[править]
- МФА (Великобритания): ед. ч. [ɒp.əˈtjuː.nɪ.ti], мн. ч. []
- МФА (США): ед. ч. [ˌɑpɚˈtunəti] мн. ч. []
Семантические свойства[править]
Значение[править]
- удобный случай, стечение обстоятельств, благоприятная возможность, оказия ◆ And while he stood hesitating, and looking post-chaises-and-six at Dolly, out came his master and his mistress, and the constant Miggs, and the opportunity was gone for ever. Ч. Диккенс, «Barnaby Rudge»
- шанс, возможность; перспектива ◆ All people have the right to equality of opportunity. — Все люди имеют право на равенство возможностей.
Синонимы[править]
- occasion
- chance, opening, break
Антонимы[править]
Гиперонимы[править]
Гипонимы[править]
Родственные слова[править]
| Ближайшее родство | |
|
Этимология[править]
Происходит от лат. opportunus «удобный, благоприятный», далее из ob «к, против, перед» + portus «порт, пристань, гавань, убежище», далее из праиндоевр. *prtu- «проход». Использованы материалы Online Etymology Dictionary Дугласа Харпера. См. Список литературы.