nepotism

noun

nep·​o·​tism ˈne-pə-ˌti-zəm 

: favoritism (as in appointment to a job) based on kinship

accused the company of fostering nepotism in promotions

nepotistic

ˌne-pə-ˈti-stik 

adjective

Did you know?

Nepotism Has Papal Origins

We happen to have neither Merriams nor Websters on our staff at Merriam-Webster, and familial connections to the company’s founders do not provide an advantage to job applicants. If it were otherwise, we might be accused of nepotism—that is, favoritism based on kinship, especially in professional contexts. English speakers have kept nepotism in the family since the late 1600s, having adopted it from the French, who were inspired by Gregorio Leti's 1667 book Il nipotismo di Roma (English title: The History of the Popes' Nephews). The book explores a practice introduced by Pope Sixtus IV: during his papacy in the late 15th century he granted many special favors to members of his family, in particular to his nephews. This practice of papal favoritism was carried on by his near successors. Today, nepotism is mostly associated with business and politics. In recent informal English use, the shortened form nepo has been hitched to the denigrating term baby to refer especially to celebrities who had a parent (or two) who were also in the entertainment industry.

Examples of nepotism in a Sentence

Nepotism has hurt the company.

Recent Examples on the Web

Last year in March, the Department of Homelessness and Supportive Housing sent letters demanding the nonprofit come into compliance after the department received complaints from foundation workers about wage theft, nepotism, mismanagement and other deficiencies. —Ruben Vives, Los Angeles Times, 7 May 2024

The public’s feelings about these industry babies can be linked to a larger pushback against nepotism in general and the rise of the ultra-rich during a time of stark wealth inequality. —Chloe Berger, Fortune, 6 May 2024

Word History

Etymology

French népotisme, from Italian nepotismo, from nepote nephew, from Latin nepot-, nepos grandson, nephew — more at nephew

First Known Use

1670, in the meaning defined above

Phrases Containing nepotism

• anti-nepotism

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Kids Definition

nepotism

noun

nep·​o·​tism ˈnep-ə-ˌtiz-əm 

: favoritism shown to a relative (as in the distribution of political offices)