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

In terms of industries, the technology, education, and healthcare sectors show the highest rates of favoritism. —Caroline Castrillon, Forbes.com, 16 Apr. 2025

As historian Jacob Norris has shown, Palestinian Arabs viewed the concession as yet another example of British favoritism toward Zionists and a plundering of their country's resources, fueling nationalist anger and Palestinian unrest. — Made By History, Time, 15 Apr. 2025

Brad Keselowski has fired back at NASCAR on X by quoting a fan's post, suggesting favoritism in flag rulings. —Raja Krishnamoorthi, MSNBC Newsweek, 9 Apr. 2025

The city says Hittle showed favoritism toward Christian employees and improperly selected a religious program after the city ordered him to attend leadership training. —Zach Schonfeld, The Hill, 12 Mar. 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