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

These licensing waivers are lawful in themselves, but Drake’s lawsuit claims they were weaponized for competitive advantage, raising questions about transparency, favoritism and whether artists outside the major label system can ever truly compete on equal footing. —Jared Brenner, Forbes.com, 11 Sep. 2025

During Thursday’s hearing, Senate Democrats noted the White House’s apparent favoritism toward Kennedy. —Nathaniel Weixel, The Hill, 6 Sep. 2025

If everyone were to showcase the Emmys, that would also eliminate any concerns about favoritism. —Michael Schneider, Variety, 5 Sep. 2025

Many of the episodes released so far have addressed Chase's sobriety struggles, as well as Harvey's favoritism of him over his other grandchildren. —Dory Jackson, People.com, 3 Sep. 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