nepotism

noun

nep·​o·​tism ˈne-pə-ˌti-zəm 

: favoritism (as in appointment to a job) based on kinship

accused the company of fostering nepotism in promotions

nepotistic

ˌne-pə-ˈti-stik 

adjective

Did you know?

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

Nepotism has hurt the company.

Recent Examples on the Web

Billie Eilish and Finneas O’Connell may be two of the biggest names in music, but their mom, Maggie Baird, isn’t buying into the idea that their success is purely due to nepotism. —Jessica Lynch, Billboard, 4 Oct. 2024

Richmond's electoral board vice chair wants Registrar Keith Balmer to be removed from his role following an investigation into claims accusing him of nepotism and inappropriate overspending. —Karri Peifer, Axios, 23 Sep. 2024

In the new season, the writers dig deeper into the nuances of the British class system, green tech energy, nepotism within finance and the British press rather than focusing purely on storylines. —Hikmat Mohammed, WWD, 20 Sep. 2024

In a 2000 interview with The Guardian, Bridget addressed the comparisons and assumed nepotism that come with being a part of her famous family. —Julie Tremaine, Peoplemag, 8 Sep. 2024

Word History

Etymology

French népotisme, from Italian nepotismo, from nepote nephew, from Latin nepot-, nepos grandson, nephew — more at nephew

First Known Use

1670, in the meaning defined above

Phrases Containing nepotism

• anti-nepotism
• nepotism baby

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Kids Definition

nepotism

noun

nep·​o·​tism ˈnep-ə-ˌtiz-əm 

: favoritism shown to a relative (as in the distribution of political offices)