op·por·tun·ism

[op-er-too-niz-uhm, -tyoo-]
noun
1.
the policy or practice, as in politics, business, or one's personal affairs, of adapting actions, decisions, etc., to expediency or effectiveness regardless of the sacrifice of ethical principles.
2.
action or judgment in accordance with this policy.

Origin:
1865–70; < Italian opportunismo, equivalent to opportun(o) (< Latin opportūnus; see opportune) + -ismo -ism

op·por·tun·ist, noun
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Based on the Random House Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2013.
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World English Dictionary
opportunist (ˌɒpəˈtjuːnɪst) [Click for IPA pronunciation guide]
 
n
1.  a person who adapts his actions, responses, etc, to take advantage of opportunities, circumstances, etc
 
adj
2.  taking advantage of opportunities and circumstances in this way
 
oppor'tunism
 
n

Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 10th Edition
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00:10
Opportunism is always a great word to know.
So is zedonk. Does it mean:
the offspring of a zebra and a donkey.
an arrangement of five objects, as trees, in a square or rectangle, one at each corner and one in the middle.
Etymonline
Word Origin & History

opportunism
1870, from opportune + -ism. Borrowed from It. opportunismo, a word in Italian politics.
Online Etymology Dictionary, © 2010 Douglas Harper
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Example sentences
It nearly foundered several times on the arrogance, opportunism and
  brinkmanship of the negotiating parties.
These procedures enhance predictability in the system by restraining
  opportunism among contracting parties.
Tommy carried the family's thin strain of virulent opportunism.
Perhaps that was largely serendipity, but it shows why opportunism can be a
  perfectly valid reason for a merger.
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