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

Such patterns signal favoritism, causing colleagues to direct comments through those perceived as favored and weakening overall decision-making as others withhold input. — Benjamin Laker, Forbes.com, 29 June 2026

Goldstein remained with the band through the late-’90s/early 2000s recording of the album Chinese Democracy, often weathering accusations of favoritism toward one band member or another. — Greg Evans, Deadline, 26 June 2026

Bacon responded by gathering supporters and issuing a public declaration accusing Berkeley’s administration of corruption, favoritism, and failure to defend the colony. — Tracy Grant, Encyclopedia Britannica, 24 June 2026

Within a couple of hours, Wilkins’ replies to the post were flooded with accusations of favoritism, questioning the use of taxpayer funds to book her and mocking her sincerity about being chosen as a performer following high-profile exits from the event. — Kevin Dolak, HollywoodReporter, 24 June 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