opportunistic
Definitions
Taking advantage of circumstances; exploitative.
机会主义的；投机取巧的
(Of an infection or organism) attacking when the host's defenses are weakened.
（医学）机会性的（指趁宿主免疫力低下时发作）
Root Breakdown
Root-derivedopportun- + -istic (adjective forming, 'characteristic of') = 'characterized by seizing opportunities.' In medicine, the same logic gives 'opportunistic infection' — a pathogen that takes advantage when the immune system is down.
Root port still carries 95 more wordsUsage Guide
- General/pejorative: 'opportunistic behavior,' 'opportunistic politicians' — exploits circumstances
- Medical (technical): 'opportunistic infection,' 'opportunistic pathogen' — strikes when defenses are down (common in HIV/AIDS, cancer treatment contexts)
- Predatory/biological: 'opportunistic feeder' — eats whatever is available, used neutrally about animals
Example Sentences
- 1.
His opportunistic switch of parties angered former allies.
- 2.
Patients with weakened immunity are vulnerable to opportunistic infections.
- 3.
Crows are opportunistic feeders, eating almost anything they find.