noun
nepotism
NEHP-uh-tih-zuhm
noun
1
Giving jobs, favors, or advantages to relatives or close friends instead of choosing based on merit.
"Critics accused the mayor of nepotism after he hired his own son."
"The company's hiring policy was designed to prevent nepotism."
How to Use Nepotism
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishFavoring family members or friends for jobs or opportunities rather than picking the most qualified person.
Common pairings
accusations of nepotism
blatant nepotism
Word Forms
nepotisms plural
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Etymology
From Italian nepotismo, based on Latin nepos ("nephew") — a reference to popes historically appointing their nephews to powerful church positions.