opportectomy

Opportectomy is a neologism, a newly coined word, that describes the deliberate act of overlooking or ignoring potential opportunities. It is not a recognized medical, surgical, or formal academic term. The word is formed by combining "opport-" from "opportunity" and the suffix "-ectomy," which typically denotes surgical removal. Therefore, in a figurative sense, opportectomy implies the "removal" or "cutting away" of chances or possibilities.

This action can stem from various motivations. It might be a conscious decision to avoid risk, maintain stability, or prevent overextension. Conversely, opportectomy can also be an unconscious behavior, arising from a lack of awareness, fear of failure, or ingrained habits that prevent individuals or organizations from recognizing or pursuing advantageous situations. The consequences of opportectomy can range from missed growth and development to stagnation and regret, depending on the nature and significance of the opportunities forgone. Understanding the underlying reasons for such a choice is crucial to addressing its potential negative impacts.