If you describe someone's behaviour as opportunistic, you are critical of them because they take advantage of situations in order to gain money or power, without thinking about whether their actions are right or wrong.
[disapproval]
Many of the party's members joined only for opportunistic reasons.
opportunisticallyadverb [ADVERB with verb]
This nationalist feeling has been exploited opportunistically by several importantpoliticians.
opportunistic in British English
(ˌɒpətjʊˈnɪstɪk)
adjective
1.
of or characterized by opportunism
2. medicine
(of an infection) caused by any microorganism that is harmless to a healthy person but debilitates a person whose immune system has been weakened by disease or drug treatment
Derived forms
opportunistically (ˌopportuˈnistically)
adverb
opportunistic in American English
(ˌɑpərtuˈnɪstɪk; ˌɑpərtjuˈnɪstɪk)
adjective
1.
of or characterized by opportunism
2. US
designating or of an infection or disease caused by a microorganism (opportunistic microorganism) that is normally not virulent but that can cause a serious condition in those with a weakened immune system
Derived forms
opportunistically (ˌopportunˈistically)
adverb
Examples of 'opportunistic' in a sentence
opportunistic
Sterling's relative weakness could encourage opportunistic buyers to bid for domestic companies, and particularly those with a global footprint.
Times, Sunday Times (2016)
They must be allowed to pursue opportunistic deals.
Times, Sunday Times (2008)
His approach is not an opportunistic move but the product of more than a year of planning.
Times, Sunday Times (2006)
It might also give an opening to any rival that might be mulling over an opportunistic takeover bid.
Times, Sunday Times (2006)
Critics say they are a cynical way of allowing opportunistic investors to walk away from their responsibilities to creditors.
Times, Sunday Times (2012)
It is an entirely opportunistic deal.
Times, Sunday Times (2015)
The bid is opportunistic, but might easily flush out a more serious approach.
Times, Sunday Times (2007)
That said, this bid is opportunistic.
Times, Sunday Times (2014)
A significant portion of the profits made on these deals comes from opportunistic financial engineering.
Times, Sunday Times (2013)
There are a number of small to mediumsized companies that have lost the support of their investors, many of whom would welcome an opportunistic bid.
Times, Sunday Times (2010)
He was in no position to venture a $13 billion opportunistic bid in India.
Times, Sunday Times (2006)
But he added: 'At the same time we will make sure that the opportunistic criminality is dealt with robustly.
The Sun (2011)
In other languages
opportunistic
British English: opportunistic ADJECTIVE
Opportunistic behaviour involves taking advantage of situations in order to gain money or power.
Many of the party's members joined only for opportunistic reasons.