favoritism
Americannoun
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the favoring of one person or group over others with equal claims; partiality.
to show favoritism toward the youngest child.
-
the state of being a favorite.
Etymology
Origin of favoritism
Explanation
A teacher who shows a clear preference for a particular student might be accused of favoritism, or favoring one person over others. The noun favoritism can simply describe the habit of preferring one particular person or group of people, but it often implies that it's done at the expense of other people. Your grandmother practices favoritism if she clearly likes one of her grandchildren best, and a politician is guilty of favoritism if she gives tax breaks to one group but not to others. The word favorite is at the root of favoritism, from the Latin root favere, "to show kindness to."
Vocabulary lists containing favoritism
Bunnicula
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The Killer Angels
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Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
They insist, though, there’s no conflict of interest and no one in the department has even considered favoritism.
From Salon ● Jul. 26, 2026
"When favoritism and cronyism take precedence over competence in selecting a commander, the result is as predictable as fire burning paper," he said.
From BBC ● Jun. 29, 2026
There are regulatory rules that mandate investment banks not show favoritism to clients, but there is also a lot of leeway.
From MarketWatch ● May 18, 2026
There were always intracaucus grumblings about her favoritism to him, and how he didn’t deserve any of it.
From Slate ● Apr. 18, 2026
There had to be a law against foster mothers who showed such gross favoritism.
From "The Great Gilly Hopkins" by Katherine Paterson
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
