nepotism

noun

nep·o·tism ˈne-pə-ˌti-zəm

Synonyms of nepotism next

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

accused the company of fostering nepotism in promotions

nepotistic

ˌne-pə-ˈti-stik

adjective

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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

Nepotism has hurt the company.

Recent Examples on the Web

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The big picture: Richmond Inspector General James Osuna opened an investigation into the city elections office and its top official, General Registrar Keith Balmer, in response to a complaint alleging misconduct and nepotism, according to the report. —

Karri Peifer, Axios, 26 Nov. 2024 Instead, private citizens from the opposition and Bangladeshi diaspora were summarily drafted into key roles, prompting accusations of nepotism, as the anti-establishment agitators became the new ruling class overnight. —

Charlie Campbell, TIME, 21 Nov. 2024 Prop 11, Laredo Nepotism Article Charter Amendment: Updating the nepotism rules to extend to members of decision-making boards and commissions, while reducing the employment exemption from two years to six months. —

Brandi D. Addison, Austin American-Statesman, 21 Oct. 2024 The nepotism claims emerge from Anderson’s move last year to fire Jason Teaman, a longtime assistant supervisor of elections, and to force Charlene Pike, a chief administrative officer, to retire early. —

Martin E. Comas, Orlando Sentinel, 28 July 2024 See all Example Sentences for nepotism