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nepotism

nepotism

20 7.2
Giving jobs and other advantages to family or friends unfairly
  • noun
  • /ˈnɛpəˌtɪzəm/
translation icon : nepotismo
  • Many employees feel frustrated because they believe that nepotism negatively affects their chances of promotion.
  • nepotism and favoritism
  • corruption and nepotism
  • inefficiency and nepotism

And I was like, damn, no nepotism going on there.

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Examples

  • His appointment of staff at RFA was based on nepotism rather than on merit.

    Blog text (27)
  • So you're promoting a flagrantly unqualified half-wit to a position of immense importance based purely on nepotism.

  • Listen, the job we called you in for was filled via nepotism this morning.

  • Our new system of governance must free itself of conflict of interest and nepotism to the highest degree possible.

    Academic text (2004)
  • I can't have people thinking this is a nepotism hire, as it clearly is.

  • This network is riddled with nepotism.

  • But Gerald tries to avoid the appearance of nepotism when it comes to his daughter.

    Academic text (2003)
  • Village elections have serious problems, including nepotism, vote buying, and the selection of incompetent or corrupt leaders.

    Academic text (2008)
  • Widespread corruption, greed, and nepotism also marked the regime's tenure in office.

    Academic text (1990)
  • Plagued with corruption, inefficiency, and nepotism, the Beijing regime holds little popular appeal for China's masses.

    Academic text (1993)

Synonyms

favoritism
vsnepotism
  • US
23 3.9

Giving one person or group better treatment than others

specifically targets relatives or friends instead of general unfair support
cronyism
vsnepotism
  • Literature
15 8.4

Giving jobs or positions to friends instead of qualified people

favors relatives or family rather than friends in appointments
patronage
vsnepotism
  • Formal
13 7.4

A government gives jobs or favors to supporters in return for political help

is about giving relatives unfair advantages rather than political reward

Antonyms

236 1.9

Treating people equally and without bias

12 7.6

A society where people get jobs because of their skills and hard work, not money

Compounds

nepotism baby
  • Offensive
9.2

A person who gets job opportunities because a family member helped them

nepotism friend
  • Offensive
8.9

A person who gets a job because of family or a close friend

How Nepotistic

nepotism
20 7.2
cronyism
  • Literature
15 8.4
favoritism
  • US
23 3.9
fairness
236 1.9

Surface Forms

nepotism singular
nepotisms plural

Morphology

nepotism = nepot + ism

Although historically built from a Latin root meaning 'nephew', the combining form 'nepot-' is not a productive or recognizable English base for typical learners, so the meaning cannot be reliably deduced from its parts.

Etymology

The word nepotism comes from the old Latin word nepos, which meant 'nephew' or 'grandson'. In the past, people in power often gave jobs to their nephews, so nepotism now means giving unfair help or jobs to family members.