What's the difference between
and
Enter two words to compare and contrast their definitions, origins, and synonyms to better understand how those words are related.

Opportunistic vs Serendipitous - What's the difference?

opportunistic | serendipitous |

As adjectives the difference between opportunistic and serendipitous

is that opportunistic is taking advantage of situations that arise while serendipitous is by serendipity; by unexpected good fortune.

opportunistic

English

Adjective

(en adjective)
  • taking advantage of situations that arise
  • :* The danger now isn't so much from the AIDS virus itself as from opportunistic infections.
  • said of people who will take advantage of situations to advance their own interests, without regard for principles
  • :* You can't trust somebody that opportunistic -- she'll stab you in the back the first chance she gets.

    • Derived terms

    * nonopportunistic * opportunistically

    Related terms

    * opportunist * opportunism * opportunity

    serendipitous

    English

    Adjective

    (en adjective)
  • By serendipity; by unexpected good fortune.
  • Good, beneficial, favorable, etc..
    • The weather was serendipitous for our vacation.