opportunity

noun

op·​por·​tu·​ni·​ty ˌä-pər-ˈtü-nə-tē 

-ˈtyü-

plural opportunities

1

: a favorable juncture of circumstances

the halt provided an opportunity for rest and refreshment

2

: a good chance for advancement or progress

Synonyms

• break
• chance
• occasion
• opening
• room
• shot

Examples of opportunity in a Sentence

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.

Recent Examples on the Web

While complex to build, these pipelines ultimately automate processes and unlock new growth opportunities. —William Mullane, USA TODAY, 18 Dec. 2024

Send out save-the-dates far in advance if your wedding date surrounds a major holiday The winter months can get busy with holiday festivities, so give your guests the best opportunity of attending by planning ahead. —Elise Taylor, Vogue, 17 Dec. 2024

There's all of this growth, all these new opportunities. —Megan Dubois, Forbes, 17 Dec. 2024

The Boston Red Sox legend continues to poke fun at his old rivals whenever the opportunity presents itself. —Thomas G. Moukawsher, Newsweek, 17 Dec. 2024

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

Phrases Containing opportunity

• at every opportunity
• at someone's earliest opportunity
• at the first opportunity
• equal opportunity
• equal opportunity employer
• golden opportunity
• land of opportunity
• opportunity cost
• photo opportunity
• seized on the opportunity
• when opportunity knocks
• window of opportunity

Kids Definition

opportunity

noun

op·​por·​tu·​ni·​ty ˌäp-ər-ˈt(y)ü-nət-ē 

plural opportunities

1

: a favorable combination of circumstances, time, and place

2

: a chance to better oneself