noun
nepotism
NEP-uh-ti-zum/ˈnepətɪzəm/
Unfairly favoring relatives or friends when granting jobs or opportunities.
The mother shows nepotism by hiring her son over the waiting applicants.
Etymology
The “nephew” root points to papal favoritism: privileges went to a pope’s “nephew,” a euphemism for his natural son. The term broadened to favoritism toward relatives generally.
In context
lavish lifestyles of Renaissance popes. The nepotism of this era was breathtaking, even by medieval standards. Popes appointed their nephews, sons, and other relatives to lucrative church positions.
More examples
- The company bans nepotism in hiring and promotions.
- Awarding the scholarship to a trustee's daughter raises concerns about nepotism.
- The director faces accusations of nepotism for giving contracts to close friends.
Forms
nepotism
nepotistic adjective — Showing unfair favoritism toward relatives or friends.
Similar words
- cronyism
- Specifically favors friends and associates when distributing jobs or advantages.
- favoritism
- Broader preferential treatment, not limited to relatives, friends, or job opportunities.