favoritism

noun

fa·​vor·​it·​ism ˈfā-v(ə-)rə-ˌti-zəm 

ˈfā-vər-

1

: the showing of special favor : partiality

2

: the state or fact of being a favorite

Examples of favoritism in a Sentence

He accused the teacher of showing favoritism in assigning grades.

Recent Examples on the Web

Draw legislative district boundaries based on favoritism and not the broad public interest? —Peter Jensen, Baltimore Sun, 3 Aug. 2025

As agencies begin translating priorities into rules and funding decisions, implementation could drift into partisan favoritism. —Paulo Carvão, Forbes.com, 25 July 2025

Transparency in relationships is crucial as inappropriate perks and favoritism can erode morale and breed distrust. —Hannah Parry, MSNBC Newsweek, 19 July 2025

Delays in home site selection and perceived favoritism toward competing vendors getting site selection first, with the competing vendors following no local hiring requirements. —Arlyssa D. Becenti, AZCentral.com, 16 July 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1763, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for favoritism

• activism
• ageism
• albinism
• altruism
• aneurism
• animism
• aphorism
• atomism
• barbarism
• bolshevism
• botulism
• brahmanism

Kids Definition

favoritism

noun

fa·​vor·​it·​ism ˈfāv-(ə-)rət-ˌiz-əm 

: unfairly favorable treatment of some while neglecting others