Definitions for: Timeserving

[adj] taking immediate advantage, often unethically, of any circumstance of possible benefit

Webster (1913) Definition: Time"serv`ing, a.
Obsequiously complying with the spirit of the times, or the
humors of those in power.

Time"serv`ing, n.
An obsequious compliance with the spirit of the times, or the
humors of those in power, which implies a surrender of one's
independence, and sometimes of one's integrity.

Syn: Temporizing.

Usage: Timeserving, Temporizing. Both these words are
applied to the conduct of one who adapts himself
servilely to times and seasons. A timeserver is rather
active, and a temporizer, passive. One whose policy is
timeserving comes forward to act upon principles or
opinions which may promote his advancement; one who is
temporizing yields to the current of public sentiment
or prejudice, and shrinks from a course of action
which might injure him with others. The former is
dishonest; the latter is weak; and both are
contemptible.

Trimming and timeserving, which are but two
words for the same thing, . . . produce
confusion. --South.

[I] pronounce thee . . . a hovering temporizer,
that Canst with thine eyes at once see good and
evil, Inclining to them both. --Shak.

Synonyms: expedient, opportunist, opportunistic

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