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opportunity
noun
op·por·tu·ni·ty
ˌä-pər-ˈtü-nə-tē
-ˈtyü-
plural opportunities
1
: a favorable juncture of circumstances
the halt provided an opportunity for rest and refreshment
2
: a good chance for advancement or progress
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
The new project is expected to create between 150 to 200 job opportunities.
—Fernanda Figueroa, Austin American-Statesman, 22 Nov. 2024
In some ways, the cuts in Arizona’s Colorado River deliveries have opened literal space for new opportunities.
—Austin Corona, The Arizona Republic, 22 Nov. 2024
Maintaining investment in sales and marketing, no matter the other priorities, is a surefire way to lead the way to greater sales opportunities.
—Agur Jõgi, Forbes, 21 Nov. 2024
This year’s festival and Film Bazaar will present an opportunity to forge new partnerships, drive co-productions and to tap into India’s vast creative talents.
—Naman Ramachandran, Variety, 21 Nov. 2024
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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
Articles Related to opportunity
Dictionary Entries Near opportunity
Cite this Entry
“Opportunity.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/opportunity. Accessed 30 Nov. 2024.
Kids Definition
opportunity
noun
op·por·tu·ni·ty
ˌäp-ər-ˈt(y)ü-nət-ē
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 English: Translation of opportunity for Arabic Speakers
Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about opportunity
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