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

Regardless of how these questions are answered, some degree of favoritism would be unavoidable because not every company would benefit. — David S. Cohen, Foreign Affairs, 8 Oct. 2026

Gifting the roses to holy shrines, images or basilicas separates them from any suggestion of political and religious alliance or favoritism. — Joëlle Rollo-Koster, The Conversation, 5 Oct. 2026

Rogers' campaign released a statement accusing the station of favoritism and suggesting the moderator had already taken sides. — Terrance Friday, CBS News, 16 Sep. 2026

In 2024, a Veolia North America subsidiary sued the City-Parish of Baton Rouge after losing a bid for its wastewater operations and management contract, alleging the procurement process was unfair, noncompliant and guided by favoritism. — Mary Spicuzza, jsonline.com, 11 Sep. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1763, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for favoritism

• activism
• albinism
• altruism
• aneurism
• animism
• aphorism
• atomism
• barbarism
• bolshevism
• botulism
• brahmanism
• calvinism

Kids Definition

favoritism

noun

fa·​vor·​it·​ism ˈfāv-(ə-)rət-ˌiz-əm 

: unfairly favorable treatment of some while neglecting others