nepotism

noun

nep·o·tism ˈne-pə-ˌti-zəm

Synonyms of nepotism next

: favoritism (as in appointment to a job) based on kinship

accused the company of fostering nepotism in promotions

nepotistic

ˌne-pə-ˈti-stik

adjective

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Nepotism Has Papal Origins

We happen to have neither Merriams nor Websters on our staff at Merriam-Webster, and familial connections to the company’s founders do not provide an advantage to job applicants. If it were otherwise, we might be accused of nepotism—that is, favoritism based on kinship, especially in professional contexts. English speakers have kept nepotism in the family since the late 1600s, having adopted it from the French, who were inspired by Gregorio Leti's 1667 book Il nipotismo di Roma (English title: The History of the Popes' Nephews). The book explores a practice introduced by Pope Sixtus IV: during his papacy in the late 15th century he granted many special favors to members of his family, in particular to his nephews. This practice of papal favoritism was carried on by his near successors. Today, nepotism is mostly associated with business and politics. In recent informal English use, the shortened form nepo has been hitched to the denigrating term baby to refer especially to celebrities who had a parent (or two) who were also in the entertainment industry.

Examples of nepotism in a Sentence

Nepotism has hurt the company.

Recent Examples on the Web

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The interim government wants to prioritize reforms — a wise move in a nation where public institutions are plagued by corruption, nepotism and overall ineffectiveness. —

Michael Kugelman, NPR, 21 Dec. 2024 To add insult to injury, Trump recently appointed Charles Kushner as the next American ambassador to France, and there has been no pushback from Republicans on this clear case of family nepotism. —

Tom Zirpoli, Baltimore Sun, 10 Dec. 2024 Hechinger has a little monkey who benefits from, uh, pet nepotism and winds up snagging a military post. —

Fran Hoepfner, Vulture, 22 Nov. 2024 While much of the talk has centered on nepotism and speculation about Bronny James's NBA career, there's a parent-child workplace dynamics conversation relevant to parents who have or will work professionally alongside their children. —

Kimanzi Constable, Parents, 11 Sep. 2024 See all Example Sentences for nepotism