favoritism

noun

fa·​vor·​it·​ism ˈfā-v(ə-)rə-ˌti-zəm How to pronounce favoritism (audio)
ˈfā-vər-
1
: the showing of special favor : partiality
2
: the state or fact of being a favorite

Examples of favoritism in a Sentence

He accused the teacher of showing favoritism in assigning grades.
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
For example, clear policies on promotions or disciplinary actions reduce perceptions of favoritism. ◾ Scalability: As the company grows, addressing issues on a case-by-case basis becomes unmanageable. Johnny C. Taylor Jr., USA TODAY, 14 Jan. 2025 The book is, in part, a warning against the dangers of favoritism within any inner sanctum. Eva Wolchover, New York Times, 2 Jan. 2025 This concentrated authority often allows biases, favoritism and poor decision-making to flourish. Maria Alonso, Forbes, 22 Nov. 2024 Some Biden defenders said prosecutors took a particularly stern stance against the younger Biden to prove there was no favoritism. James Rainey, Los Angeles Times, 2 Dec. 2024 See all Example Sentences for favoritism 

Word History

First Known Use

1763, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of favoritism was in 1763

Dictionary Entries Near favoritism

Cite this Entry

“Favoritism.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/favoritism. Accessed 22 Jan. 2025.

Kids Definition

favoritism

noun
fa·​vor·​it·​ism ˈfāv-(ə-)rət-ˌiz-əm How to pronounce favoritism (audio)
: unfairly favorable treatment of some while neglecting others

More from Merriam-Webster on favoritism

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