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
Context: German had reported on Telles' office, disclosing bullying, favoritism and a relationship with a staffer.
—
April Rubin, Axios, 16 Oct. 2024
The complaints also included racial microaggressions, penalization for taking medical leave, fear of retaliation for raising concerns, favoritism by executive producers and unexpected terminations.
—Vivian Kwarm, New York Daily News, 10 July 2024
For all its drawbacks, a period of uncertainty and delay would not be nearly as dangerous as the appearance of favoritism.
—Bronwyn Bruton, Foreign Affairs, 3 Mar. 2013
Moderators didn't fact-check Harris, which led to grumbling of favoritism by Trump and his supporters, who claimed the debate had been three against one.
—Phillip M. Bailey, USA TODAY, 11 Sep. 2024
See all Example Sentences for favoritism 
April Rubin, Axios, 16 Oct. 2024
The complaints also included racial microaggressions, penalization for taking medical leave, fear of retaliation for raising concerns, favoritism by executive producers and unexpected terminations.
—Vivian Kwarm, New York Daily News, 10 July 2024
For all its drawbacks, a period of uncertainty and delay would not be nearly as dangerous as the appearance of favoritism.
—Bronwyn Bruton, Foreign Affairs, 3 Mar. 2013
Moderators didn't fact-check Harris, which led to grumbling of favoritism by Trump and his supporters, who claimed the debate had been three against one.
—Phillip M. Bailey, USA TODAY, 11 Sep. 2024
See all Example Sentences for favoritism
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'favoritism.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
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Cite this Entry
“Favoritism.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/favoritism. Accessed 22 Oct. 2024.
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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