nepotism

[nep-uh-tiz-uhm]

noun

1. patronage bestowed or favoritism shown on the basis of family relationship, as in business and politics.

   She was accused of nepotism when she made her nephew an officer of the firm.

nepotism

/ nɪˈpɒtɪk, ˈnɛpəˌtɪzəm /

noun

1. favouritism shown to relatives or close friends by those with power or influence

nepotism

1. Favoritism granted to relatives or close friends, without regard to their merit. Nepotism usually takes the form of employing relatives or appointing them to high office.

Other Word Forms

• nepotic adjective
• nepotistic adjective
• nepotistical adjective
• nepotist noun
• antinepotism noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of nepotism¹

From the Italian word nepotismo, dating back to 1655–65. See nephew, -ism

Word History and Origins

Origin of nepotism¹

C17: from Italian nepotismo, from nepote _nephew , from the former papal practice of granting special favours to nephews or other relatives

Example Sentences

Allegations of corruption in public works and gross nepotism have dogged her government.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

Oppenheimer had a nepotism rule, however; if Lillian and Elliot wanted to hire their son, they had to pay his salary for the first year, while others determined if he was worth paying at all.

Read more on Literature

Almost daily headlines here highlight instances of alleged graft, nepotism and other questionable behavior within Sheinbaum’s ruling circles.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

There are legitimate arguments about the gatekeeping and nepotism that still govern these kinds of elite institutions.

Read more on Salon

Fierce protests against corruption and nepotism spiralled further on Tuesday into arson and violence.

Read more on BBC

Related Words

• bias 
• discrimination 
• inequity 
• partisanship