opportunist

USAGE SUMMARY

The word "opportunist" is correct and usable in written English.
It is a noun that is used to refer to a person who looks for opportunities to gain an advantage from a situation without considering any moral implications. For example: The opportunist took advantage of the vulnerable situation and sold their house for a much lower price than it was worth.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

It used to be an opportunist crime – a dog taken from outside a shop, for instance – but now "it's much more about organised crime, where particular places are targeted, [such as] kennels, where there can be multiple thefts, particularly for valuable dogs".

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Collins said a picture was emerging of Savile as a risk-taker and an opportunist who surrounded himself with dubious characters.

The Guardian

In a more logical and less volatile polity than ours – ie Germany – pre-election pacts can be a source of political stability, not of the opportunist hysteria they arouse here.

The Guardian - Opinion

"Big Tory asset Marxist Miliband trusted even less than opportunist Cameron".

The Guardian

Describing the split as a "process manufactured by ruthlessly pragmatic Czech rightwing political forces and abetted by a populist and opportunist Slovak leadership", she says the main problems were that separation was favoured only by a minority of people in both republics and it was never democratically mandated.

The Guardian

He denied that they showed the truce was void, suggesting that they could have been carried out by opportunist groups other than Boko Haram.

The Guardian

Was a threat in attack and scored a fine opportunist try.

The Guardian - Sport

Rather, Lewis is an opportunist, as currency traders tend to be, and M&B's rudderless state is a chance to make money.

The Guardian - Business

But there were some opportunist abductions.

The Guardian

The truth is Mr Farage is more opportunist (he would say pragmatic) than liberal.

The Economist

Others see him as simply an ambitious opportunist.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing someone as an "opportunist", be specific about the actions that demonstrate this trait, providing context for your assessment.

Common error

Avoid simply labeling someone as an "opportunist" without providing concrete examples of their behavior. This can come across as a vague and unsubstantiated accusation. Always back up your claim with evidence.

Linguistic Context

The word "opportunist" functions primarily as a noun, referring to a person who exploits circumstances to gain an advantage, often without regard for ethics or principles. Ludwig AI's examples showcase this usage in various contexts, from political commentary to business analysis.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

48%

Formal & Business

27%

Science

25%

Less common in

Wiki

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The word "opportunist" is a commonly used noun to describe someone who takes advantage of situations for personal gain. Ludwig AI confirms its correct grammatical status. Examples from various sources like The Economist and The Guardian demonstrate its frequent appearance in News & Media, Formal & Business, and Science contexts. When using "opportunist", it's best to provide specific examples of the behavior you're describing to avoid vagueness. Alternative terms include "self-seeker" or "exploiter", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

self-seeker

Implies someone primarily motivated by personal gain.

exploiter

Highlights the act of taking unfair advantage of others.

careerist

Specifically refers to someone focused on advancing their career, sometimes at the expense of others.

operator

Suggests someone skilled at manipulating situations to their advantage.

profiteer

Refers to someone who makes excessive profits, especially during a crisis.

chancer

British slang for someone who takes risks for personal gain.

wheeler-dealer

Implies someone who engages in shrewd and sometimes unethical business practices.

timeserver

An outdated term for someone who changes their beliefs to suit the prevailing opinion.

status seeker

Highlights the desire for social advancement.

pragmatist

Indicates a focus on practical results, without necessarily implying negative opportunism.

FAQs

How can I use "opportunist" in a sentence?

You can use "opportunist" to describe someone who takes advantage of situations for personal gain, such as, "He was seen as an opportunist who exploited the company's financial difficulties."

What are some synonyms for "opportunist"?

Synonyms for "opportunist" include "self-seeker", "exploiter", and "profiteer", each carrying slightly different connotations.

Is it always negative to be called an "opportunist"?

While often negative, the term "opportunist" can sometimes describe someone who is simply good at recognizing and seizing opportunities, but this depends heavily on the ethical implications of their actions.

What's the difference between an "opportunist" and a "pragmatist"?

An "opportunist" is primarily driven by self-interest and exploits circumstances, while a "pragmatist" focuses on practical solutions and achieving results, even if it means compromising on ideals.