occasion

UK:*UK and possibly other pronunciationsUK and possibly other pronunciations/əˈkeɪʒən/US:USA pronunciation: IPA and respellingUSA pronunciation: IPA/əˈkeɪʒən/ ,USA pronunciation: respelling(ə kāzhən)

WordReference Collins English Usage © 2026
occasion - opportunity - chance
‘occasion’
An occasion is a particular time when something happens.
I remember the occasion very well.
There are occasions when you must refuse.
You often say that something happens on a particular occasion.
I think it would be better if I went alone on this occasion.
I met him only on one occasion.
An occasion is also an important event, ceremony, or celebration.
It was a wonderful end to an unforgettable occasion.
They have fixed the date for the big occasion.
‘opportunity’ and ‘chance’
Don't use occasion to refer to a situation in which it is possible for someone to do something. Instead, use opportunity or chance.
I am very grateful to have had the opportunity of working with Paul.
She put the phone down before I had a chance to reply.
➜ See chance
'occasion' also found in these entries (note: many are not synonyms or translations):

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