Nepotism
noun /ˈnɛp.ə.tɪ.z(ə)m/ — Favouring relatives or friends in professional appointments, regardless of merit.
Definition
The practice among those with power of favouring relatives or friends, especially by giving them jobs. Nepotism prioritises connection over competence — it is one of the oldest corruptions of power.
Beyond the definition
Nepotism is the love of family expressed in a context where it causes harm. The impulse — to help those you love — is understandable. The distortion — doing so at others' expense — is the problem.
Origin & history
Italian: 'nipote' (nephew). Named for the practice of medieval popes appointing their nephews to positions of power. Pope Sixtus IV (1471–1484) was particularly notorious for this.
Example sentences
Illustrative sentences for learning, not verified community posts or sourced quotations.
The appointment reeked of nepotism — the candidate was entirely unqualified except for being the director's son.
She tried to avoid nepotism even in small decisions — recommending only those who were genuinely capable.
Some call it nepotism; others call it trust. The line depends on whether you're inside or outside the network.
How to use it
This entry uses a noun. Follow the examples for articles and singular or plural forms; not every noun takes “a” or “an.”
Choose “Nepotism” when the meaning fits your context: The practice among those with power of favouring relatives or friends, especially by giving them jobs. Nepotism prioritises connection over competence — it is one of the oldest corruptions of power.
Synonyms
Antonyms
meritocracy, fairness, objectivity
Related words
Nepotism vs cronyism
Nepotism specifically refers to favoring family members. Cronyism is broader, involving the appointment of friends or associates regardless of merit.
Word in the Wild
See how this word appears in life, language and stories.
Illustrative sentences and imagined stories for learning — not verified sightings, interviews, or sourced quotations.
Fictional scene
Dominant Adult With Excluded Colleague
Two adults stand in a room, one standing tall and pointing, the other looking down, excluded from the process.
The dominant figure represents the exercise of power where closeness to them—whether by blood or relation—would determine who is included in the decision-making, highlighting how connections are prioritized over competence.
Image credit: Wordspun · AI-generated conceptual illustration
Questions about this word
What does "Nepotism" mean?
Nepotism is noun meaning: Favouring relatives or friends in professional appointments, regardless of merit.. The practice among those with power of favouring relatives or friends, especially by giving them jobs. Nepotism prioritises connection over competence — it is one of the oldest corruptions of power.
Where does the word "Nepotism" come from?
Italian: 'nipote' (nephew). Named for the practice of medieval popes appointing their nephews to positions of power. Pope Sixtus IV (1471–1484) was particularly notorious for this.