favoritism

noun

fa·​vor·​it·​ism ˈfā-v(ə-)rə-ˌti-zəm How to pronounce favoritism (audio)
ˈfā-vər-
1
: the showing of special favor : partiality
2
: the state or fact of being a favorite

Examples of favoritism in a Sentence

He accused the teacher of showing favoritism in assigning grades.
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
In terms of industries, the technology, education, and healthcare sectors show the highest rates of favoritism. Caroline Castrillon, Forbes.com, 16 Apr. 2025 As historian Jacob Norris has shown, Palestinian Arabs viewed the concession as yet another example of British favoritism toward Zionists and a plundering of their country's resources, fueling nationalist anger and Palestinian unrest. Made By History, Time, 15 Apr. 2025 Brad Keselowski has fired back at NASCAR on X by quoting a fan's post, suggesting favoritism in flag rulings. Raja Krishnamoorthi, MSNBC Newsweek, 9 Apr. 2025 The city says Hittle showed favoritism toward Christian employees and improperly selected a religious program after the city ordered him to attend leadership training. Zach Schonfeld, The Hill, 12 Mar. 2025 See All Example Sentences for favoritism

Word History

First Known Use

1763, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of favoritism was in 1763

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Favoritism.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/favoritism. Accessed 29 Apr. 2025.

Kids Definition

favoritism

noun
fa·​vor·​it·​ism ˈfāv-(ə-)rət-ˌiz-əm How to pronounce favoritism (audio)
: unfairly favorable treatment of some while neglecting others

More from Merriam-Webster on favoritism

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