opportunistically
opportunistically Lexical Profile
• adverb
In a manner that exploits immediate circumstances or opportunities to gain an advantage, often with little regard for principles or long-term consequences.
"The company acted opportunistically by buying up distressed real estate right after the market crash."
In biology and medicine, in a way that adapts to take advantage of available food sources, habitats, or weakened host defenses as they arise.
"Coyotes feed opportunistically on small mammals, insects, and seasonal fruits depending on what is abundant."
Word Nuance & Usage
In everyday and political contexts, 'opportunistically' usually carries a negative connotation of self-serving exploitation, whereas in biology, ecology, and medicine, it is used neutrally to describe organisms or infections that take advantage of available environmental conditions.
• Rhymes for opportunistically
• Nearby Words
Usage Trend
Historical frequency of usage in published text.