Theme music by Joshua Stamper ©2006 New Jerusalem Music/ASCAP
Nepotism has hurt the company.
These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'nepotism.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
During his papacy from 1471-1484, Sixtus IV granted many special favors to members of his family, in particular his nephews. This practice of papal favoritism was carried on by his successors, and in 1667 it was the subject of Gregorio Leti's book Il Nepotismo di Roma-titled in the English translation, The History of the Popes' Nephews. Shortly after the book's appearance, nepotism began to be used in English for the showing of special favor or unfair preference to any relative by someone in any position of power, be it ecclesiastical or not. (The "nep-" spelling is from nepote, a 17th-century variant of Italian nipote, meaning "nephew.")
: the unfair practice by a powerful person of giving jobs and other favors to relatives
See words that rhyme with nepotism Spanish Central: Translation of nepotism Nglish: Translation of nepotism for Spanish speakers Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about nepotism
What made you want to look up nepotism? Please tell us where you read or heard it (including the quote, if possible).
Challenging Vocabulary Quiz Returns!
Test your vocabulary with our 10-question quiz!
TAKE THE QUIZTest Your Knowledge - and learn some interesting things along the way.
TAKE THE QUIZ
Writing? Check your grammar now!