Definition

1. Noun:
   • Favoritism shown to relatives or close friends by those in power (as by giving them jobs): The practice of unfairly giving advantages, especially jobs, to family members or personal friends when you are in a position of power.

Usage

• The word "nepotism" is used to describe unethical or unfair practices in professional, political, or organizational contexts. It implies a conflict of interest and a lack of meritocracy.
• It is typically used as an uncountable noun (e.g., "There is nepotism in the company.").

Examples

• The mayor was accused of nepotism after hiring three of his cousins for high-paying city jobs.
• The company's policy strictly prohibits nepotism to ensure all hiring is based on qualifications.
• Critics argue that nepotism in the government undermines public trust and efficiency.

Advanced Usage

• "to practice nepotism": to engage in the act of favoring relatives.
  • The director was fired for practicing nepotism.
• "a culture of nepotism": an environment where favoring relatives is common or accepted.
  • The organization struggled to grow due to a deep-rooted culture of nepotism.
• "nepotism and cronyism": often used together to describe favoritism based on family (nepotism) and friends (cronyism).
  • The scandal revealed widespread nepotism and cronyism within the administration.

Variants and Related Words

• Nepotistic (adj): Characterized by or involving nepotism.
  • The hiring process was highly nepotistic.
• Nepotist (n): A person who practices nepotism.
  • He was known as a notorious nepotist who only promoted his own family.

Synonyms

• Favoritism: The practice of giving unfair preferential treatment to one person or group.
• Cronyism: The appointment of friends and associates to positions of authority, without proper regard to their qualifications.
• Patronage: The power to control appointments to office or the right to privileges (can be neutral or negative depending on context).

Antonyms

• Meritocracy: A system in which people are selected and promoted based on their abilities and achievements.
• Impartiality: Equal treatment of all rivals or disputants; fairness.

Related Idioms and Phrases

• "It's not what you know, but who you know": A saying that reflects a reality where connections (which can lead to nepotism or cronyism) are more important than knowledge or skill.
  • He got the job through his uncle, proving once again that it's not what you know, but who you know.

Noun

1. favoritism shown to relatives or close friends by those in power (as by giving them jobs)