cronyism

[kroh-nee-iz-uhm]

noun

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

cronyism

/ ˈkrəʊnɪˌɪzəm /

noun

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

Word History and Origins

Origin of cronyism¹

First recorded in 1830–40; crony + -ism

Example Sentences

Stuart Andrew, the shadow culture minister, said the appointment of Kogan was "Labour cronyism" and added Nandy "belatedly" stepping aside was "a necessary move that highlights just how compromised this selection has become".

From BBC

His Democratic Alliance political party is part of South Africa's coalition government and has been a vocal critic of the ANC's empowerment policies, saying they lead to cronyism and corruption.

From BBC

He accused MBN management of entering into needless, multimillion-dollar expansions of bureaus that went wildly over budget, all amid a culture of cronyism that often left the wrong people in place for too long.

From Los Angeles Times

Such protectionism has also led to allegations of cronyism.

From BBC

The signs include “identification of enemies as a unifying cause,” “controlled mass media,” “corporate power protected,” “labor power suppressed,” “disdain for intellectuals and the arts,” “obsession with crime and punishment,”and “rampant cronyism & corruption.”

From Los Angeles Times

When To Use

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.