opportunity

/ˌɒpəˈtjuːnəti/ (bre, ipa) · /ˌɑːpərˈtuːnəti/ (ame, ipa) · /ˌä-pər-ˈtü-nə-tē -ˈtyü-/ (ame, mw)

opportunity — noun

1. a situation or moment that lets you do something useful, important, or enjoyable

1.名詞B1
釋義

a situation or moment that lets you do something useful, important, or enjoyable that may not be possible later

例句

The conference gave Lina an opportunity to meet local business owners.

opportunity to + verb

After dinner, we had an opportunity for a quiet talk outside.

opportunity for + noun

同義詞
  • chance

    is the nearest everyday word and is slightly more conversational

  • possibility

    can be more neutral and does not always suggest a helpful moment

  • opening

    often suggests a useful chance created by a change in a situation

  • occasion

    names the time or event itself more than the advantage it offers

反義詞
  • obstacle

    suggests something that blocks action instead of allowing it

文法句型

an opportunity to do something

opportunity for + noun

give someone an opportunity

用法筆記

Often followed by to + verb when the action is named directly, or by for + noun when the focus is on the activity itself. Distinguish from noun/2, which is specifically about getting a job.

常見錯誤

❌I had an opportunity meet the director.
✅I had an opportunity to meet the director.
💡use 'to' before the verb.
❌This is a good opportunity for learn English.
✅This is a good opportunity to learn English.' / 'This is a good opportunity for English practice.
💡use 'to + verb' or 'for + noun'.

2. a chance to get paid work, especially when a company or organization is looking

2.名詞B2
釋義

a chance to get paid work, especially when a company or organization is looking for someone

例句

The website lists job opportunities for new nurses in Taipei.

job opportunities for + role

After college, Marco found few opportunities in newspaper design.

opportunities in + field

同義詞
  • opening

    often means an available job that people can apply for

  • vacancy

    focuses on an unfilled position rather than the broader career chance

  • position

    means the job itself, not the chance to get it

  • prospect

    can suggest future career possibilities rather than one specific job

文法句型

job opportunities

opportunities in + field

opportunities for + group

用法筆記

Common in the plural when talking about the number of jobs available in a place, company, or field. Often appears with words like job, career, employment, or a phrase naming the industry.

常見錯誤

❌I am looking an opportunity in a bank.
✅I am looking for an opportunity in a bank.
💡use 'look for' when searching.
❌She found an opportunity as work in a hospital.
✅She found an opportunity to work in a hospital.' / 'She found a job opportunity in a hospital.
💡use 'to work' after 'opportunity', not 'as work'.