favoritism

noun

fa·​vor·​it·​ism ˈfā-v(ə-)rə-ˌti-zəm How to pronounce favoritism (audio)
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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
However, the energy policy established by the previous administration, with its multi-billion dollar tax breaks and subsidies, as well as government favoritism, has complicated the signals for clean energy investment. Ariel Cohen, Forbes.com, 5 June 2025 Major concerns about no-bid contracting flagged by SANDAG’s independent auditor include potential favoritism for a trio of companies, as well as changes to improper contracts that in one case boosted project costs by 3,300%. Lucas Robinson, San Diego Union-Tribune, 22 May 2025 And for the players, accusations of coercion or favoritism for those who are religious are just bunk. Shaun Goodwin, Idaho Statesman, 16 May 2025 Kosar said the process is laden with procedures and protections to ensure no favoritism or discrimination takes place. Jared Gans, The Hill, 8 May 2025 See All Example Sentences for favoritism

Word History

First Known Use

1763, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of favoritism was in 1763

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Favoritism.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/favoritism. Accessed 15 Jun. 2025.

Kids Definition

favoritism

noun
fa·​vor·​it·​ism ˈfāv-(ə-)rət-ˌiz-əm How to pronounce favoritism (audio)
: unfairly favorable treatment of some while neglecting others

More from Merriam-Webster on favoritism

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