noun

cronyism

KROH-nee-iz-uhm

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Cronyism (noun) means giving friends favourable treatment, especially jobs or positions, regardless of whether they are actually qualified for them. Example: “Critics accused the mayor of cronyism after he gave the contract to his old business partner.”

noun

derogatory Giving friends favourable treatment, especially jobs or positions, regardless of whether they are actually qualified for them.

"Critics accused the mayor of cronyism after he gave the contract to his old business partner."

"The report blamed cronyism for years of poor appointments at the agency."

"Voters are tired of cronyism in how public jobs get handed out."

How to use cronyism

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishCronyism is when someone in charge hands out jobs or favours to their mates instead of picking the best person for the job.

When to use it

The word is critical by nature and is used to condemn favouritism, not to describe it neutrally.

Memory tip

Spot the pattern: crony plus -ism, the same suffix that turns favourite into favouritism-style words describing a habit or system.

Trace the full origin ↓

Common pairings

accusations of cronyism political cronyism rife with cronyism cronyism and corruption

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C2 · Advanced serendipity Fortunate discoveries made entirely by accident.

Gen Z slang rizz Charm — the ability to attract a romantic interest.

B2 · Intermediate empathy The capacity to share another person’s feelings.

C1 · Advanced nonchalant Casually calm and relaxed; unconcerned.

Internet slang delulu Delusional — believing something against the odds.

Etymology nostalgia Greek nostos “return home” + algos “pain”.

C2 · Advanced serendipity Fortunate discoveries made entirely by accident.

Gen Z slang rizz Charm — the ability to attract a romantic interest.

B2 · Intermediate empathy The capacity to share another person’s feelings.

C1 · Advanced nonchalant Casually calm and relaxed; unconcerned.

Internet slang delulu Delusional — believing something against the odds.

Etymology nostalgia Greek nostos “return home” + algos “pain”.

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Critics accused the mayor of _____ after he gave the contract to his old business partner.

Etymology

Cronyism is formed from crony, meaning a close friend, with the suffix -ism added to name a pattern of behaviour. The suffix turns the noun crony into a word for the practice of favouring one's friends.

Origin: English

Synonyms

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cronydom

Frequently asked questions

What does cronyism mean?

It means giving jobs, contracts or other advantages to friends rather than to whoever is genuinely best qualified.

Is cronyism the same as nepotism?

They are closely related terms for unfair favouritism, but cronyism is about favouring friends, whereas nepotism specifically involves favouring family members.

Is cronyism always about politics?

It is most often used about political appointments, but it can describe favouritism towards friends in any organisation.

What is the meaning of cronyism?

"cronyism" (noun) means giving friends favourable treatment, especially jobs or positions, regardless of whether they are actually qualified for them.