“Opportunity” Synonym Guide — Definition, Antonyms, and Examples

Replacing the correct opportunity synonym in your text that fits the context may sometimes seem challenging. While you may recall one or two similar terms that correspond to opportunity, picking the perfect one is key to enhanced writing.

Here’s a quick guide to help you with the similar and opposite terms of ‘opportunity’ along with example sentences.

The Definition of Opportunity

‘Opportunity‘ is a favorable time or situation that makes it possible to do or attain something. It also refers to the scope for better employment. The English word ‘opportunity’ originated from the Middle French opportunité and Latin opportunitas, meaning “advantageous, useful, favorable, or suitable.” Opportunity functions as a noun in a sentence.

Example Sentences:

• This is a good opportunity to leave the party.
• It was the perfect opportunity to test her practical knowledge.
• You should grab every learning opportunity that you get.
• She received a high-paying job opportunity in the United States.
• You can attend the webinar on a career opportunity.

Opportunity Synonym — Exploring Words with Similar Meanings

Chance

It means the possibility of something happening within a favorable time. Based on the dictionary, it also refers to the unplanned or unintentional occurrence of events. The word came from the Old French chea(u)nce, meaning “good fortune,” and Latin cadere, meaning “to fall, to happen, occur.”

• We have a high chance of winning the competition.
• I met one of my school teachers in the park by chance.

Possibility

‘Possibility’ means that something may exist, develop, happen, or be true. It could also refer to something you can select from various options.

• There is a slight possibility that I will be selected.
• One possibility is to allow all the candidates to retake the exam.

Option

‘Option’ is the ability or freedom to choose something or between two things. It also refers to something that may or may not be chosen. The word ‘option’ came from the French or Latin word optio(n-), which has its root in the Latin optare, meaning ‘choose.’

• We were looking for the cheapest options for wedding photography.
• Changing group members for the project is our only option now.

Scope

‘Scope’ is when you get the opportunity or space to do, think, or deal with something. It could also mean the area of a subject matter which is relevant. Scope originated from the Italian scopo, meaning “aim.” This had its root in the Greek skopos, meaning “target,” and skeptesthai “lookout.”

• My supervisor explained the scope of the research.
• The final work was good, but there’s scope for improvement.

Occasion

‘Occasion’ can be formally used to mean an opportunity or particular situation where something occurs. It originated from the Latin occasio(n-), meaning “juncture, reason,” and occidere “go down, set,” which came from ob- “towards” + cadere “to fall.”

• I had the occasion to watch my sister compete in the National Olympics.
• We didn’t have the occasion to meet each other for years.

Opportunity Antonyms — Exploring Words with Opposite Meanings

Closing

Closing refers to a situation or event where you bring something to an end. It could also refer to the last part of something or the end of a letter.

• The closing of the local grocery shop became a problem for the people.
• Her closing arguments repeated that she was not guilty of the crime.

Misfortune

Misfortune means an unfortunate event or situation when something happens. It also implies a “mishap” or “bad luck.”

• You should not be laughing at others’ misfortune.
• She went through all her misfortune without complaint.

Setback

‘Setback’ is a noun used to denote a problem that makes success or progress less likely to happen. Anything that slows you down from progressing is a setback.

• The last moment’s change in theme was a serious setback for the project.
• Despite some major setbacks, it flourished as a successful company.

Hindrance

Hindrance is something or someone that acts as a barrier and makes a situation difficult. It could also mean a thing that provides resistance or obstruction to the desired action.

• The lack of funding is the biggest hindrance at the moment.
• You are more of a hindrance than a help in completing my work.

Bad Luck

Bad luck is the term used to define a state that results from unfavorable outcomes. It refers to an unpredictable and unfortunate consequence.

• It was bad luck I could not see my grandmother before she passed away.
• I don’t know why I am having such bad luck in everything I do.

To Wrap Up

Finding the perfect replacement for the word ‘opportunity’ should not be a challenge now. This article discusses some of the most common terms for ‘opportunity’ to enhance your writing and avoid being repetitive.

It also includes appropriate antonyms, definitions, and example sentences to learn the correct usage of the words based on context. Not to mention, there is always a thesaurus to acquire more English vocabulary knowledge whenever you need it.