nepotism

[nep-uh-tiz-uhm]

noun

1. patronage bestowed or favoritism shown on the basis of family relationship, as in business and politics.

   She was accused of nepotism when she made her nephew an officer of the firm.

nepotism

/ nɪˈpɒtɪk, ˈnɛpəˌtɪzəm /

noun

1. favouritism shown to relatives or close friends by those with power or influence

nepotism

1. Favoritism granted to relatives or close friends, without regard to their merit. Nepotism usually takes the form of employing relatives or appointing them to high office.

Other Word Forms

• nepotic adjective
• nepotistic adjective
• nepotistical adjective
• nepotist noun
• antinepotism noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of nepotism¹

From the Italian word nepotismo, dating back to 1655–65. See nephew, -ism

Word History and Origins

Origin of nepotism¹

C17: from Italian nepotismo, from nepote _nephew , from the former papal practice of granting special favours to nephews or other relatives

Example Sentences

“I didn’t have any nepotism. I was very fortunate that people believed in me, and they gave me opportunities.”

From Los Angeles Times

It’s very easy to become numb to how corrupt this administration is, how much nepotism is going on, how much self-dealing is going on.

From Salon

Magyar gave a long interview to Partizan, the flagship opposition YouTube channel, blasting what he called the nepotism and corruption of the governing party.

From BBC

Buhari also promised to tackle corruption and nepotism in government, and create employment opportunities for young Nigerians.

From BBC

In an industry where those whose careers have been influenced by the favors of nepotism often decry the nepo baby label, Williams stands as an outlier.

From Salon

Related Words

• bias 
• discrimination 
• inequity 
• partisanship