opportunity

noun

op·​por·​tu·​ni·​ty ˌä-pər-ˈtü-nə-tē How to pronounce opportunity (audio)
-ˈtyü-
plural opportunities
Synonyms of opportunity
1
: a favorable juncture of circumstances
the halt provided an opportunity for rest and refreshment
Studying abroad provides a great opportunity to learn a foreign language.
There were many missed opportunities (to score) throughout the game.
I'd like to take this opportunity to thank everyone.
The dog ran away at every opportunity. [= whenever it was able to]
at the first/earliest opportunity [= as soon as we are able to]
This is a golden opportunity to buy. [= an excellent chance to buy]
2
: a good chance for advancement or progress
the land of opportunity
Be ready when opportunity knocks. [= when the chance to do something occurs]
There are fewer job opportunities this year for graduates.

Synonyms of opportunity

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Examples of opportunity in a Sentence

A phony war because its stated objective—eradicating terrorism—is impossible and serves to mask unstated, alarmingly open-ended goals, a kind of fishing expedition that provides an opportunity for America to display its intimidating arsenal … —John Edgar Wideman, Harper's, March 2002
Nowadays my only opportunity for an old-fashioned, self-indulgent sulk comes when I'm traveling. —Ian Frazier, Atlantic, March 2001
I'm handing you an opportunity in the heart of the city where the whole world's heading: journalists, corporate leeches, Japanese tourists, Greco-Roman wrestlers. —Gary Smith, Illustrated, 11 Sept. 2000
More than 90 percent of female senior managers believe that men's and women's opportunities remain unequal … —Katha Pollitt, Atlantic, November 1997
You'll have an opportunity to ask questions after the presentation. When the opportunity came for her to prove that she could do the job, she was ready. I had the rare opportunity of speaking to the president. Studying abroad provides a great opportunity to learn a foreign language. There are fewer job opportunities this year for graduates. I would like to take this opportunity to thank everyone who helped me with this book. He was given every opportunity to prove that he was trustworthy. There is plenty of opportunity for advancement within the company.
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Between 60% and 70% of new Ebola cases are being detected among people who were not already being monitored as contacts, meaning health workers may only discover infections after patients become sick and have had opportunities to expose others. — ABC News, 15 Aug. 2026 For Arsenal, the game is an opportunity to underline that last season’s success was the beginning of a new period of dominance rather than a one-off achievement. — Dean Jones, New York Times, 15 Aug. 2026 The offseason especially has turned into showcase opportunities for players across social media and beyond, either casually or in tournament form. — Omar Jimenez, CNN Money, 15 Aug. 2026 For startups like Code Metal—which employs 123 people—the challenge now is turning one-off opportunities, like the new $80 million Pentagon deal, into repeatable, expandable business. — Preston Fore, Fortune, 14 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for opportunity

Word History

Etymology

Middle English oportunyte, borrowed from Anglo-French & Latin; Anglo-French oportunité, borrowed from Latin opportūnitāt-, opportūnitās, from opportūnus "convenient, opportune" + -itāt-, -itās -ity

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of opportunity was in the 14th century

Phrases Containing opportunity

Rhymes for opportunity

See All Rhymes for opportunity

Browse Nearby Words

opportunistic
opportunity
opportunity cost
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Opportunity.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/opportunity. Accessed 15 Aug. 2026.

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Kids Definition

opportunity

noun
op·​por·​tu·​ni·​ty ˌäp-ər-ˈt(y)ü-nət-ē How to pronounce opportunity (audio)
plural opportunities
1
: a favorable combination of circumstances, time, and place
2
: a chance to better oneself

More from Merriam-Webster on opportunity

Nglish: Translation of opportunity for Spanish Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about opportunity

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