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

However, the other two members wound up suing Beyoncé and Kelly, claiming that being managed by Beyoncé's dad Mathew led to favoritism within the group. —Stephanie Sengwe, PEOPLE, 15 Apr. 2026

Stephen Adamus is the harshest critic of them, having sued Prang and alleging favoritism by Prang. —The Editorial Board, Daily News, 15 Apr. 2026

Reality, in the form of age and favoritism, says Sieler, the 2024 team MVP, is a bit of an outsider. —Chris Perkins, Sun Sentinel, 7 Apr. 2026

Still, Chief Wallabee, who is owned by Michael and Katherine Ball, has shown enough promise to merit favoritism — and possibly get Mott into the Florida Derby winner’s circle for the first time. —Clark Spencer, Miami Herald, 26 Mar. 2026

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