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
When politics, favoritism or silence around problems replace merit and transparency, trust erodes quickly.
—
Expert Panel®, Forbes.com, 28 May 2026
New lawsuit follows string of complaints Steward’s lawsuit is the latest in a series of legal complaints filed by current and former employees of the Independence Police Department alleging retaliation, favoritism and dysfunction within department leadership.
—Ben Wheeler
may 20, Kansas City Star, 20 May 2026
New Britain Democrats released a scathing report that charged a pattern of misconduct and favoritism by the tax collector in a case that has been referred to prosecutors.
—Christopher Keating, Hartford Courant, 11 May 2026
The House Democratic campaign arm’s endorsements in two competitive primaries are aggravating some in the party who see favoritism at work.
—Nicholas Wu, semafor.com, 4 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for favoritism
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Expert Panel®, Forbes.com, 28 May 2026
New lawsuit follows string of complaints Steward’s lawsuit is the latest in a series of legal complaints filed by current and former employees of the Independence Police Department alleging retaliation, favoritism and dysfunction within department leadership.
—Ben Wheeler
may 20, Kansas City Star, 20 May 2026
New Britain Democrats released a scathing report that charged a pattern of misconduct and favoritism by the tax collector in a case that has been referred to prosecutors.
—Christopher Keating, Hartford Courant, 11 May 2026
The House Democratic campaign arm’s endorsements in two competitive primaries are aggravating some in the party who see favoritism at work.
—Nicholas Wu, semafor.com, 4 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for favoritism
Cite this Entry
“Favoritism.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/favoritism. Accessed 5 Jun. 2026.
Copy CitationKids Definition
favoritism
noun
fa·vor·it·ism
ˈfāv-(ə-)rət-ˌiz-əm
: unfairly favorable treatment of some while neglecting others
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