opportunistic
An opportunistic politician used the crisis to push through unpopular policies.
Adjective: - Taking immediate advantage, often unethically, of any circumstance of possible benefit: Describes behavior that seizes chances for personal gain, especially in a way that is unprincipled or exploitative, often without regard for long-term consequences or fairness.
The adjective "opportunistic" is used to describe actions, behaviors, policies, or individuals that exploit situations as they arise for self-benefit. It carries a negative connotation, implying a lack of principles or a willingness to compromise ethics for immediate gain. It is often used in contexts like politics, business, biology, and medicine.
- Describing a person or behavior:
- The politician was criticized for his opportunistic shift in policy, which seemed designed only to win votes.
- She made an opportunistic investment, buying the company's stock immediately after the scandal broke, hoping for a quick profit.
- In biology/medicine:
- Pneumonia is a common opportunistic infection that attacks individuals with weakened immune systems.
- The fungus is an opportunistic pathogen, only causing disease when the host's defenses are low.
- "Opportunistic behavior": A common phrase in economics and sociology referring to self-interest seeking with guile, such as breaking an agreement when it is beneficial and one can avoid detection.
- The contract was designed to minimize opportunistic behavior by either party.
- "Opportunistic sampling": In research, a non-probability sampling technique where researchers take samples from individuals or cases that are conveniently available.
- The study used an opportunistic sampling method, interviewing shoppers at a single mall.
- Opportunist (noun): A person who exploits opportunities, especially in an unprincipled way.
- He was seen as a political opportunist, changing his stance to suit the prevailing mood.
- Opportunism (noun): The practice of exploiting circumstances for immediate gain, with little regard for principles or consequences.
- The merger was an act of pure opportunism, not strategic planning.
- Exploitative: Taking unfair advantage of a situation or person.
- Calculating: Acting in a scheming and shrewd way, especially for one's own advantage.
- Expedient: Convenient and practical, possibly ignoring moral considerations.
- Principled: Acting in accordance with morality and ethics.
- Scrupulous: Very careful to do what is right, honest, or morally correct.
- "To seize the opportunity": This neutral or positive phrase means to take advantage of a chance. "Opportunistic" implies doing so in a specifically unprincipled manner.
- He seized the opportunity to study abroad. (Neutral/Positive)
- Her opportunistic takeover of the failing business involved firing all the long-term staff. (Negative)
An opportunistic politician used the crisis to push through unpopular policies.
- taking immediate advantage, often unethically, of any circumstance of possible benefit