Library / English Dictionary

OPPORTUNIST

Pronunciation (US):

(GB):

 I. (noun) 

Sense 1

Meaning:

A person who places expediency above principle

Synonyms:

opportunist; self-seeker

Classified under:

Nouns denoting people

Hypernyms ("opportunist" is a kind of...):

selfish person (a person who is unusually selfish)

Hyponyms (each of the following is a kind of "opportunist"):

backscratcher (someone who is willing to trade favors or services for mutual advantage)

bottom feeder (an opportunist who profits from the misfortunes of others)

carpetbagger (an outsider who seeks power or success presumptuously)

hustler; operator; wheeler dealer (a shrewd or unscrupulous person who knows how to circumvent difficulties)

timeserver (one who conforms to current ways and opinions for personal advantage)

Derivation:

opportunism (taking advantage of opportunities without regard for the consequences for others)

opportunist (taking immediate advantage, often unethically, of any circumstance of possible benefit)

 II. (adjective) 

Sense 1

Meaning:

Taking immediate advantage, often unethically, of any circumstance of possible benefit

Synonyms:

opportunist; opportunistic; timeserving

Classified under:

Adjectives

Similar:

expedient (serving to promote your interest)

Derivation:

opportunist (a person who places expediency above principle)

Credits