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

Rogers' campaign released a statement accusing the station of favoritism and suggesting the moderator had already taken sides. — Terrance Friday, CBS News, 16 Sep. 2026

In 2024, a Veolia North America subsidiary sued the City-Parish of Baton Rouge after losing a bid for its wastewater operations and management contract, alleging the procurement process was unfair, noncompliant and guided by favoritism. — Mary Spicuzza, jsonline.com, 11 Sep. 2026

Board members went on to say its members have also witnessed concerning conduct, such as false accusations, misinformation and favoritism. — Aubrey Wright, IndyStar, 11 Sep. 2026

Trump officials say any such favoritism violate the Civil Rights Act of 1964, a federal law that forbids discrimination in education and other public places and was created to fight segregation and its effect. — Jaweed Kaleem, Los Angeles Times, 3 Sep. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1763, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for favoritism

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

Kids Definition

favoritism

noun

fa·​vor·​it·​ism ˈfāv-(ə-)rət-ˌiz-əm 

: unfairly favorable treatment of some while neglecting others