opportunist
/ˌɒpə(ɹ)ˈtjuːnɪst/
opportunist means someone who takes advantage of any opportunity to advance their own situation, placing expediency above principle. It carries an Arena rating of 1487, earned across 10 head-to-head judged battles.
Among words judged in Lexicurio's Arena, opportunist ranks #2,230 of 13,223 for Most Malleable Words, #5,239 of 13,223 for Words That Escaped Their Books, #7,587 of 13,223 for Most Incisive Words, #7,639 of 13,223 for Most Betrayed by Its Sound.
opportunist is pronounced /ˌɒpə(ɹ)ˈtjuːnɪst/.
Why “opportunist” is a great word
A person who takes advantage of opportunities as they arise, especially with little regard for principles or consequences. From French opportuniste, from opportun ("opportune") + -iste ("-ist"). First recorded in English use in 1881, from the term 'opportunism'. Unlike a pragmatist, who navigates practical constraints with a measure of integrity, or an idealist, who remains steadfast to a vision, the opportunist is defined by a fluid, transactional self. He is the politician reversing a pledge on a gust of popular opinion, the friend whose loyalty evaporates at a better invitation, the creature that sheds its principles like a skin to fit a new crevice—a life spent in the permanent, calculated present, where conviction is merely the temporary absence of a better offer.
Etymology
From French opportuniste, equivalent to opportune + -ist.
noun
- Someone who takes advantage of any opportunity to advance their own situation, placing expediency above principle.“James Milner's angled free-kick was headed on to the post by the tireless Bent and Lampard the opportunist was perfectly placed to stoop and head in from virtually on the goal-line.”
Words closest in meaning
By meaning, not spelling — each word's AI semantic fingerprint, nearest first.
- opportunism 94% match — The practice of taking advantage of any situations or people to achieve an end, often with no regard for principles or consequences. vs opportunist →
- ideologue 83% match — A person who advocates an ideology, especially as an official or preeminent advocate. vs opportunist →
- expedience 83% match — The quality of being fit or suitable to cause some desired end or the purpose intended; propriety or advisability under the particular circumstances of a case. vs opportunist →
- sellout 83% match — An action in which principles are compromised for personal gain. vs opportunist →
- realpolitik 83% match — Pragmatic, often expansionist, diplomacy and politics focused on perceived national interests of the state to the near exclusion of ethical, moral, and theoretical objectives. vs opportunist →
- interloper 82% match — One who interferes, intrudes or gets involved where not welcome, particularly a self-interested intruder. vs opportunist →
- realpolitiker 82% match — One who supports or engages in realpolitik. vs opportunist →
- timepleaser 81% match — A timeserver, a slavish follower of contemporary fashions. vs opportunist →