From Longman Dictionary of Contemporary Englishopportunityop‧por‧tu‧ni‧ty /ˌɒpəˈtjuːnəti $ ˌɑːpərˈtuː-/ ●●● S1 W1 noun (plural opportunities) 1 [countable, uncountable]CHANCE/OPPORTUNITY a chance to do something or an occasion when it is easy for you to do somethingopportunity to do something a rare opportunity to see inside this historic building I’d like to take this opportunity to thank you all.opportunity for Games and songs provide an opportunity for classroom interaction.2 [countable]JOB/WORK a chance to get a job or improve your situation at work There are fewer opportunities for new graduates this year. → equal opportunities at equal1(2)COLLOCATIONSverbshave opportunityI was lucky enough to have the opportunity to travel.take/use opportunity (=do something you have a chance to do)Several employees took the opportunity to retire early.seize/grasp an opportunity (=do something very eagerly when you have the chance)She saw an opportunity to speak to him, and seized it.miss/lose an opportunity (=not do something you have a chance to do)Dwyer never missed an opportunity to criticize her.give somebody opportunityThe children should be given the opportunity to make their own choices.get an opportunityI decided to go, as I might never get this opportunity again.provide/present/open up an opportunityThe course also provides an opportunity to study Japanese.an opportunity comes (along/up)We had outgrown our house when the opportunity came up to buy one with more land.an opportunity arisesPerhaps she would explain later, if the opportunity arose.adjectivesa good/great/wonderful etc opportunityIt's a great opportunity to try new things.the ideal/perfect opportunityI'd been wanting to try sailing, and this seemed like the ideal opportunity.a golden opportunity (=a very good opportunity)The council has missed a golden opportunity to improve the town centre.a rare/unique opportunitya unique opportunity to stay in a real castlea once-in-a-lifetime opportunity (=a very good opportunity that you will only get once)For many athletes, the Olympics are a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.a wasted/lost/missed opportunity (=one you do not use)Many people see the failed talks as a missed opportunity for peace.ample opportunity/plenty of opportunity (=a number of chances to do something)There will be ample opportunity for shopping.limited/little opportunity (=not many chances)They had little opportunity to discuss the issue beforehand.nounsa photo opportunity (=a chance to take a good photograph, especially of a particular person)Parents will always look for good photo opportunities at their kid's graduation ceremony.phrasesat the first/earliest opportunity (=as soon as possible)He decided to leave school at the earliest opportunity.at every (possible) opportunity (=whenever possible)She went to the museum at every opportunity.a window of opportunity (=a time when you can do something)The other team started making mistakes, but we didn't take advantage of this window of opportunity.a land of opportunity (=a country where people have a lot of good opportunities)America was then seen as a land of opportunity.the opportunity of a lifetime (=a very good opportunity that you will only get once)The winner of the contest got the opportunity of a lifetime – the chance to work with a top fashion designer.
Examples from the Corpus
opportunity• It was too good an opportunity to pass up.• She was delighted to have an opportunity to talk with someone who shared her interest in classical music.• All he needs is an opportunity to show his ability.• That is an opportunity cost just like investment analysts view opportunity costs.• Career opportunities for nurses have improved in the last 10 years.• Educators are worried about rapidly diminishing opportunities for graduates.• All over the world women are demanding equal opportunities.• We see this as an exciting opportunity for our companies to work together.• Clinton could challenge his allies to face that difficult reality and begin formulating alternative means for expanding opportunity.• If it came, it came; it was no reason to turn from opportunity.• Problem-solving time is also an ideal opportunity to get some insight into how you are feeling and how your child is feeling.• On the other hand, in urban areas there are now more opportunities for women with high school education to find jobs.• There are several opportunities for experienced designers and researchers.• Critics had the opportunity to write poetically of the ceaseless, easy flow of rivers and this one in particular.• After they had refused him the opportunity of improving his position, he resigned.• I bowed to each one, smiling whenever one of them gave me the opportunity.opportunity for• It seemed like a great opportunity for making money.From Longman Business Dictionaryopportunityop‧por‧tu‧ni‧ty /ˌɒpəˈtjuːnətiˌɑːpərˈtuː-/ noun (plural opportunities) [countable] a chance for you to do something successfullyThis is an excellent career opportunity for a recent graduate.In order to make money, you will need to identify market opportunities.an investment opportunitya significant business opportunity 