nepotism
NEP-uh-tiz-um
/ˈnɛpətɪzəm/
The practice among those with power or influence of favoring relatives or friends, especially by giving them jobs.
Specifically refers to unfair favoritism based on family ties rather than merit or competence.
The story behind the word. The word traces back to Catholic Popes during the Renaissance who took vows of celibacy and thus had no legitimate children. To elevate their families, they granted lucrative cardinal titles and territories to their 'nephews' (often secretly their illegitimate sons), giving rise to the Italian 'nepotismo'.
Word relationships
- favoritism: Favoritism is general preference for anyone, while nepotism specifically targets relatives or close kin.
- cronyism: Cronyism is favoring close friends or political allies, whereas nepotism is favoring family members.
- meritocracy: A system where individuals are selected and promoted based solely on talent and effort.
Commonly confused with
- cronyism: Nepotism is favoring family members, while cronyism is favoring personal friends and political buddies.
Word family
- nepotistic (adjective): Showing favoritism toward family members.
- nepotist (noun): A person who practices nepotism.
Collocations
- accusations of nepotism
- charge of nepotism
- rampant nepotism
- practice nepotism
Example sentences
- "The CEO was accused of blatant nepotism after appointing his inexperienced son as chief operating officer." Corporate Governance
- "New merit-based hiring regulations were enacted to combat political nepotism in the civil service." Public Administration
Memory hook
NEP-otism comes from NEP-hew — giving jobs to your nephew. Nephew gets the job.
When not to use
Do not use for hiring a family member in a small, privately owned family business where family ownership is expected, unless unfair advantage harms public interest.
Fun facts
- Pope Alexander VI famously appointed his teenaged son Cesare Borgia as a cardinal, exemplifying Renaissance nepotism.
Related words
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