First Known Use: 14th century
Dictionary
opportunity
noun op·por·tu·ni·ty \ˌä-pər-ˈtü-nə-tē, -ˈtyü-\
: an amount of time or a situation in which something can be done
plural op·por·tu·ni·ties
Full Definition of OPPORTUNITY
1
: a favorable juncture of circumstances <the halt provided an opportunity for rest and refreshment>
2
: a good chance for advancement or progress
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Examples of OPPORTUNITY
- 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
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Origin of OPPORTUNITY
(see opportune)
Rhymes with OPPORTUNITY
OPPORTUNITY Defined for Kids
opportunity
noun op·por·tu·ni·ty \ˌä-pər-ˈtü-nə-tē, -ˈtyü-\
plural op·por·tu·ni·ties
Definition of OPPORTUNITY for Kids
1
: a favorable combination of circumstances, time, and place <He practices guitar at every opportunity.>
2
: a chance for greater success <“… learning secretarial skills is an exciting opportunity for me …” — Lemony Snicket, The Austere Academy>
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