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nepotism

/ˈnepətɪzəm/
noun★Intermediate
formal

The practice of favoring relatives or friends in hiring, promotion, or other opportunities, often at the expense of more qualified candidates.

Nepotism in politics often leads to public distrust in government institutions.

When politicians favor their relatives, it undermines public confidence.

💡

Nepotism is often considered unethical in professional settings.

Collocations

accusations of nepotismclaims that someone is favoring relatives unfairlyallegations of nepotismclaims that someone is favoring relatives unfairlynepotism in politicsfavoritism in government roles

Synonyms

Antonyms

Related Phrases

play favoritesphrase
to show favoritism
old boys' clubphrase
a group that favors its own members

💡Pro Tip

Avoiding nepotism

In professional settings, hiring and promotion decisions should be based on merit rather than personal relationships.

⚡Gold Rule

Ethical hiring

Companies should have clear policies against nepotism to maintain fairness and trust.

📖Word Origin

From Italian 'nepotismo,' derived from 'nepote' (nephew), referring to the practice of popes granting favors to their nephews in the 16th and 17th centuries.

📝Usage Notes

Nepotism is often criticized in professional and political contexts, though it can sometimes be justified in family businesses.

Word Breakdown

nepot-
nephew
root
+
-ism
a practice or system
suffix
English Dictionary

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