It turns out “opportunity” has only positive connotations. I was joking around about the econobonics/biz-slang use of opportunity — e.g., “every bug we get is an opportunity to improve our code!” — saying something like, “that assumes every opportunity is positive.” Meaning, there could be some negative opportunities, like the opportunity to jump off a bridge.

But, hold on, Skip, old m-w.com says that “opportunity” means:

1 : a favorable juncture of circumstances <the halt provided an opportunity for rest and refreshment>
2 : a good chance for advancement or progress

So, you see, opportunities are always good. Now I need to figure out some antonyms for opportunity. Anyone got some good ones?

Tags: econobonics, words.