opportunism

[ op-er-too-niz-uhm, -tyoo- ]
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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 of opportunism

1
1865–70; <Italian opportunismo, equivalent to opportun(o) (<Latin opportūnus;see opportune) + -ismo-ism

Other words from opportunism

  • op·por·tun·ist, noun

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2024

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