noun

favouritism

FAY-vuh-rit-iz-uhm

Quiz me More like this

Favouritism (noun) means Unfair favouring of one person or group over another. Example: “The manager was accused of favouritism after promoting his nephew ahead of more experienced staff.”

noun

Unfair favouring of one person or group over another.

"The manager was accused of favouritism after promoting his nephew ahead of more experienced staff."

"She tried not to show favouritism between her two children."

"Fans complained of favouritism when the referee let the home team's fouls go unpunished."

How to use favouritism

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishTreating someone more kindly or generously than others without good reason.

When to use it

It's a neutral, everyday word, but it almost always carries a critical edge when used about someone's behaviour.

Memory tip

Remember the British spelling keeps the 'u' from favourite, unlike the American favoritism.

Trace the full origin ↓

Common pairings

show favouritism accusations of favouritism workplace favouritism parental favouritism favouritism towards

Vocabulary Flow

Build your vocabulary from words like favouritism.

Vocabulary Flow serves the next word, and the next — meaning, pronunciation and an example each time. Practice at your level, or learn English in your own language.

Start vocabulary practice

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”.

Test yourself on “favouritism” A quick quiz — meaning, synonyms & usage →

Fill the gap

Can you complete this real example?

The manager was accused of _____ after promoting his nephew ahead of more experienced staff.

Etymology

Formed in English by adding the suffix -ism to favourite, turning the adjective or noun into a word for the practice itself. The pattern mirrors other -ism words that name a habitual attitude or behaviour.

Origin: English

Synonyms

View more →

bias

Antonyms

impartiality

Related words

justice balance discrimination equality equity bias tendency prejudice

Rhymes for favouritism

antisemitism kleptoparasitism

See all rhymes for favouritism →

Frequently asked questions

What does favouritism mean?

It means treating one person or group better than others in an unfair way, rather than judging everyone on the same terms.

Is favouritism the same as nepotism?

Nepotism is a specific kind of favouritism shown to family members, while favouritism itself just means unfair preference for anyone, related or not.

What's the difference between favouritism and favoritism?

They're the same word; favouritism is the British spelling and favoritism is the standard American spelling.

What is the meaning of favouritism?

"favouritism" (noun) means unfair favouring of one person or group over another.

People also searched

justice balance discrimination equality equity bias tendency prejudice