opportunity */*/*/

UK [ˌɒpə(r)ˈtjuːnətɪ] / US [ˌɑpərˈtunətɪ] noun
Word forms "opportunity":
singular opportunity plural opportunities

Metaphor:

Having an opportunity to do something is like having a door or way of getting into a building. This opened the door to a new way of life. ♦ He was on the threshold of an exciting new career. ♦ Having a degree unlocked many opportunities. ♦ What would you say is the key to success? ♦ The company has several openings for trainees. ♦ Not everyone had access to higher education. ♦ I felt that I had got my job by the back door. ♦ We operate an open door policy. ♦ Opportunity came knocking. ♦ The band had been knocking at the door for some time before their first hit record. ♦ She felt that all doors were barred/bolted/closed against her. ♦ Age is no barrier to success. ♦ I've got a window on Friday afternoon: I could see you then.

1) [countable/uncountable] a chance to do something, or a situation in which it is easy for you to do something

I think this trip sounds like a wonderful opportunity.

opportunity for:

The job pays well, but there's not much opportunity for career advancement.

give someone the opportunity to do something:

The programme gives students the opportunity to learn more about global warming.

take the opportunity to do something:

I'd like to take this opportunity to thank all of you for coming.

a missed/lost opportunity (= a chance that you did not use):

A series of missed opportunities have badly weakened the company.

at every opportunity (= whenever it is possible):

She went to visit him in hospital at every opportunity.

given the opportunity (= if he/she had the opportunity):

He's someone who could have been really successful, given the opportunity.

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Collocations:
Adjectives frequently used with opportunity
▪  ample, excellent, exciting, golden, great, heaven-sent, historic, ideal, lost, missed, once-in-a-lifetime, perfect, rare, tremendous, unique, unprecedented Verbs frequently used with opportunity as the object ▪  exploit, give, grasp, miss, offer, pass up, provide, seize, squander, take, waste

2) [countable] a job that is available

There are good opportunities in the hotel business.

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at the earliest/first opportunity — as soon as possible

You will be informed of any changes at the earliest opportunity.