Definition

Noun: A nepotist is a person, especially one in a position of power or authority, who unfairly shows favoritism by granting jobs, advantages, or other benefits to their relatives or close friends, rather than based on merit or qualifications.

Usage

The term nepotist is used to describe and criticize an individual's behavior, typically in professional, political, or organizational contexts. It highlights the unethical practice of prioritizing personal connections over fairness and competence. * The CEO was accused of being a nepotist after hiring three of his nephews for senior management roles. * In a true meritocracy, a nepotist would not thrive, as promotions are based on performance.

Advanced Usage

• Institutional Nepotism: Describes a culture or system where nepotistic practices are common and sometimes unofficially accepted.
  • The family-run business was criticized for its institutional nepotism, which stifled innovation from outside talent.
• As a Pejorative Label: The term is strongly negative and is used as a direct accusation of corruption or unethical conduct.
  • The mayor's opponents labeled him a nepotist and a corrupt politician.

Variants and Related Words

• Nepotism (n.): The practice itself of favoring relatives or friends, especially by giving them jobs.
  • The company's policy strictly prohibits nepotism.
• Nepotistic (adj.): Describing actions, policies, or behavior characterized by nepotism.
  • The nepotistic hiring practices led to several lawsuits.

Synonyms

• Favoritist: A person who shows unfair preference.
• Partisan (in the context of biased support): A person who is strongly biased in favor of a particular group.

Antonyms

• Meritocrat: A person who supports or practices a system where people are selected based on their abilities.
• Egalitarian: A person who believes in or promotes equality for all people.

Related Idioms and Phrases

• To practice nepotism: The verbal phrase for engaging in this behavior.
  • The director was fired for practicing nepotism.
• A culture of cronyism and nepotism: Often used together, where "cronyism" refers to favoring close friends (cronies), and "nepotism" specifies relatives.
  • The administration was plagued by a culture of cronyism and nepotism.

Noun

1. a powerful person who shows favoritism to relatives or close friends