cronyism

American  

[kroh-nee-iz-uhm] / ˈkroʊ niˌɪz əm /

noun

1. the practice of favoring one's close friends, especially in political appointments.

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cronyism British  

/ ˈkrəʊnɪˌɪzəm /

noun

1. the practice of appointing friends to high-level, esp political, posts regardless of their suitability

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Usage

What does cronyism mean? Cronyism the practice of appointing friends or associates to positions or otherwise showing them favor due to having a relationship with them, rather than for their qualifications.The word cronyism is used to criticize such practices, especially in politics.The people appointed to these positions can be called cronies, as in He ran for office to enrich himself and his cronies.  In general, a crony is a close friend or associate, especially one among several. Crony can be used in a neutral way meaning much the same thing as buddy or pal, as in I still get together with my college cronies. But the word is most often used in a negative way to refer to a lackey or an accomplice in some kind of shady or illegal activity.Example: Several high-ranking department positions were given to friends and former business associates of the governor, resulting in accusations of cronyism.

Etymology

Origin of cronyism

First recorded in 1830–40; crony + -ism

Compare meaning

How does cronyism compare to similar and commonly confused words? Explore the most common comparisons:

• nepotism vs. cronyism

Example Sentences

Jacob Zuma was sentenced to 15 months in jail after refusing to testify to a panel probing financial corruption and cronyism under his presidency.

From Barron's

“The rule of law cannot be carried out if it depends on cronyism,” said Virginia Canter, a former government ethics lawyer who served in the administrations of both parties.

From Salon

He vowed to institute reforms and clean up deeply entrenched corruption and cronyism.

From Los Angeles Times

It is also, I would guess intentionally, a tale made for our times, with its themes of civil rights, income inequality, cronyism and corruption.

From Los Angeles Times

This would, they say, be the best way to rid Serbian institutions of the cronyism and corruption which they hold responsible for the railway station disaster.

From BBC