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Wordabulary

opportunistic

Pronunciation
Adjective B2 Upper-intermediate

Quick answer

Quick to take advantage of a chance to benefit, often in a way that seems selfish or poorly planned in advance.

"The company made an opportunistic bid for its struggling rival as soon as the share price collapsed."

Synonyms and antonyms

Synonyms

self-serving

Usage notes

'Opportunistic' also describes infections that only cause disease once the immune system is already weakened, a specialized medical sense.

Test yourself

Which word fits the gap? "The company made an _____ bid for its struggling rival as soon as the share price collapsed."

Answer: opportunistic

In your own words, what does "opportunistic" mean?

Quick to take advantage of a chance to benefit, often in a way that seems selfish or poorly planned in advance.

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