opportunist
opportunist Lexical Profile
opportunist Game Scores & Validity
• noun
A person who exploits immediate circumstances to gain an advantage, often with little regard for moral principles, consistency, or the consequences for others.
"Critics dismissed the executive as a political opportunist who changed his loyalties whenever it suited his career."
An organism that can thrive in a wide variety of environmental conditions and rapidly exploit newly available habitats or food sources.
"Because coyotes are ecological opportunists, they have successfully adapted to suburban neighborhoods across North America."
• adjective
Characterized by the exploitation of immediate circumstances or opportunities for self-serving advantage without regard for principles or long-term consequences.
"Voters quickly grew weary of the candidate's opportunist shifts on major economic policies."
Word Nuance & Usage
In everyday contexts, 'opportunist' carries a strongly negative connotation of self-serving manipulation, whereas in ecology and biology it is a neutral descriptive term for an adaptable organism.
• Rhymes for opportunist
• Nearby Words
Word Origin & Etymology
Borrowed in the late 19th century from French 'opportuniste' and Italian 'opportunista', originally coined in European political discourse to describe moderate politicians willing to compromise principles for practical advantage.