nepotism
noun
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Nepotism Has Papal Origins
We happen to have neither Merriams nor Websters on our staff at Merriam-Webster, and familial connections to the company’s founders do not provide an advantage to job applicants. If it were otherwise, we might be accused of nepotism—that is, favoritism based on kinship, especially in professional contexts. English speakers have kept nepotism in the family since the late 1600s, having adopted it from the French, who were inspired by Gregorio Leti's 1667 book Il nipotismo di Roma (English title: The History of the Popes' Nephews). The book explores a practice introduced by Pope Sixtus IV: during his papacy in the late 15th century he granted many special favors to members of his family, in particular to his nephews. This practice of papal favoritism was carried on by his near successors. Today, nepotism is mostly associated with business and politics. In recent informal English use, the shortened form nepo has been hitched to the denigrating term baby to refer especially to celebrities who had a parent (or two) who were also in the entertainment industry.
Examples of nepotism in a Sentence
Bill Plaschke, Los Angeles Times, 3 July 2024
Rumor has it that nepotism has run rampant in the NBA at the ownership/front office level.
—Essence, 2 July 2024
Sometimes there was outright crime, other times there was nepotism and incompetence with elections where just about no one voted.
—New York Daily News Editorial Board, New York Daily News, 10 Apr. 2024
But at least one expert said the hiring raises questions about nepotism and suggested the City Council may want to revisit its employment practices and broaden the way opportunities at city hall are promoted.
—Jeff McDonald, San Diego Union-Tribune, 9 June 2024
See all Example Sentences for nepotism 
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“Nepotism.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/nepotism. Accessed 26 Jul. 2024.
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nepotism
noun
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