Here are two examples of misuse of the word Opportunistic:
- A radio advertisement tells listeners, “now is an opportunistic time to invest in real estate.”
A radio ad told radio listeners: “Now is the opportune time to invest in real estate.”
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- A television host defends someone against the charge of “being opportunistic.” The host should, “everyone should be opportunistic because it would be stupid to throw away opportunities.”
The TV presenter is defending a person against the charge of “opportunism”. The host argued: “Everybody is an opportunist because it is stupid to pass up an opportunity.”
The problem in both of these examples is that the opportunistic is used that has nothing to do with the negative connotation given to the word.
Opportunistics: take advantage of the immediate, often unethical, advantage in any case for good. (American Heritage)
Opportunistics: taking advantage of opportunities that have little to do with rules or consequences. (Merriam-Webster)
The Oxford Dictionary defines opportunistic as “inclus, manifest, or have the character of opportunism”, and opportunism as “the scheme or conduct that takes advantage of situations or opportunities to gain immediate advantage.” …with an implication of criticism or a lack of moral principles.”
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This misunderstanding of the negative connotation of the word opportunistic is apparently very common. An investment website also misused its tagline: “Emphasizes an opportunistic, value-oriented and risk-controlled approach to investments.”
A wrestler preparing for a fight says, “I don't want to think too much in there. I want to be more opportunistic and let it flow”
A headline on another investment website stated: “The Intel of NFC: One 'Ground Floor' Stock Every Opportunistic Investor Should Snap Up Today.” Society should embrace today)
Other sites use the word opportunistic in a general sense, many of which are related to behavior that makes it difficult to approach others.
Those who bully others… lack self-discipline, are egotistical, exploitative, greedy, opportunistic, reckless and callous. (Website with title: “Coping with Stalking and Stalkers”)
People who love themselves are opportunists. They may flaunt themselves as generous, but their generosity often comes with some strings attached. (Support site for people with members with personality disorders)
A few English words associated with opportunity come from the same Latin source as "opportunistic": ob portum veniens – a term referring to entering a port city where opportunities can be found. favorable.
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Opportune: (adjective) Appropriate or appropriate for a particular action; suitable, convenient.
Opportuneness: (noun) The relevant fact or characteristic (in various capacities); timely nature.
Opportunely :(adverb) Favorably; suitable, convenient.
These words do not have a bad connotation of the word opportunistic. For example, the radio presenter may have said “now is an opportune time to invest in real estate”. The TV presenter may commend people for acting rationally when a favorable opportunity presents itself.
Listen to pronunciation:
Opportunistic (op·por·tun·is·tic):
Opportune (op·por·tune):
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