Taking advantage of circumstances or situations for personal gain, often without regard for principles or consequences. In biology, describes organisms that exploit available resources or conditions when they become favorable.
From Latin 'opportunus' meaning timely or convenient, literally 'toward the harbor' (ob- + portus), referring to favorable sailing conditions. The negative connotations developed in the 19th century when the term became associated with unprincipled political behavior. The biological sense emerged later, without the moral judgment.
The evolution of 'opportunistic' from a neutral sailing term to a morally charged descriptor reveals how our relationship with adaptability is complex—we admire flexibility in nature but often condemn it in human behavior. This linguistic shift reflects our struggle to balance survival instincts with social cooperation.
Complete word intelligence in one call. Free tier — 50 lookups/day.