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adventurist

adventurist

1 8.1
A person who takes risky, selfish actions to gain advantage in politics or business
  • noun
  • /ædˈvɛnʧərɪst/
  • Literature
: oportunista
  • The business decision was seen as a reckless move by adventurists looking to profit during the crisis.

Examples

  • Not to mention the drivel from Howard Eppis, the world's most notorious, most counter-revolutionary adventurist.

  • Many criticized the senator as an adventurist for pushing through controversial policies without considering the consequences.

  • In the meeting, she warned that the actions of political adventurists could destabilize the entire region.

Synonyms

mercenary
vsadventurist
15 7.3

Doing things mainly for money rather than for belief or loyalty

seeks personal advantage through risky or unprincipled acts beyond money motive
opportunist
vsadventurist
1 6.5

Taking chances to get ahead for personal gain, ignoring what is right

acts with planned risky moves aiming personal advantage not mere quick chances
thruster
vsadventurist
  • Offensive
1 8.0

A person who pushes ahead without caring about others' views

prefers risky or unprincipled acts for advantage rather than mere forceful intrusion
gamesman
vsadventurist
  • Archaic
1 8.8

A person who uses clever and sometimes unfair plans to get an advantage in politics or business

takes risky and unprincipled actions rather than cautious strategic moves
zopilote
vsadventurist
  • Offensive
9.9

A person who profits from other people's misfortune

uses risky or unprincipled actions in many situations, not only when others suffer

How Opportunistic

adventurist
  • Literature
1 8.1
opportunist
26 5.9
rogue
113 5.9
pragmatist
16 6.9
idealist
30 5.0

Surface Forms

adventurist singular
adventurists plural

Morphology

adventurist = adventure (semi-transparent) = adventure + ist

Formed from 'adventure' + '-ist' but used in a pejorative/specific sense ('one who takes risky or unprincipled actions to gain advantage'), which is an extended pragmatic meaning.

Etymology

Adventurist comes from adventure, a word for a risky 'chance' or undertaking. That's why someone called an adventurist in politics or business is seen as taking risky, often unprincipled actions to gain an advantage.