favoritism
noun
fa·vor·it·ism
ˈfā-v(ə-)rə-ˌti-zəm 
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
The group also protested what members called the state's favoritism toward Christians in allowing events inside.
—
CBS News, 29 Mar. 2025
In the grand scheme of things, what’s a little favoritism toward your objects of desire?
—Samantha Allen, Them, 25 Mar. 2025
Excluding people from positions or forms of access, no matter their qualifications, to give those less qualified opportunities as a form of favoritism is wrong.
—Erik Sherman, Forbes, 24 Mar. 2025
Part of identity formation is not just out-group derogation but in-group favoritism.
—Julia Standefer, The Conversation, 14 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for favoritism
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.
CBS News, 29 Mar. 2025
In the grand scheme of things, what’s a little favoritism toward your objects of desire?
—Samantha Allen, Them, 25 Mar. 2025
Excluding people from positions or forms of access, no matter their qualifications, to give those less qualified opportunities as a form of favoritism is wrong.
—Erik Sherman, Forbes, 24 Mar. 2025
Part of identity formation is not just out-group derogation but in-group favoritism.
—Julia Standefer, The Conversation, 14 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for favoritism
Cite this Entry
“Favoritism.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/favoritism. Accessed 4 Apr. 2025.
Copy CitationKids Definition
favoritism
noun
fa·vor·it·ism
ˈfāv-(ə-)rət-ˌiz-əm
: unfairly favorable treatment of some while neglecting others
Love words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share