favoritism
noun
fa·vor·it·ism ˈfā-v(ə-)rə-ˌti-zəm 
ˈfā-vər-
1
: the showing of special favor : partiality
2
: the state or fact of being a favorite
Examples of favoritism in a Sentence
He accused the teacher of showing favoritism in assigning grades.
Recent Examples on the Web
Management of the city of Chicago’s sprawling government always has been a challenge, and the opportunities for patronage, favoritism and simple wasteful spending are vast. —
The Editorial Board, Chicago Tribune, 21 Apr. 2026 New Britain Democrats released a scathing report last week that charged a pattern of misconduct and favoritism by the tax collector in a case that has been referred to prosecutors. —Christopher Keating, Hartford Courant, 21 Apr. 2026 This is a clear case of favoritism. —Voice Of The People, New York Daily News, 20 Apr. 2026 Over time, ownership would move through voluntary exchange rather than political favoritism. —Antony Davies, Boston Herald, 19 Apr. 2026 See All Example Sentences for favoritism
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
The Editorial Board, Chicago Tribune, 21 Apr. 2026 New Britain Democrats released a scathing report last week that charged a pattern of misconduct and favoritism by the tax collector in a case that has been referred to prosecutors. —Christopher Keating, Hartford Courant, 21 Apr. 2026 This is a clear case of favoritism. —Voice Of The People, New York Daily News, 20 Apr. 2026 Over time, ownership would move through voluntary exchange rather than political favoritism. —Antony Davies, Boston Herald, 19 Apr. 2026 See All Example Sentences for favoritism
Cite this Entry
“Favoritism.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.grautoblog.com/dictionary/favoritism. Accessed 26 Apr. 2026.
Copy CitationKids Definition
favoritism
noun
fa·vor·it·ism ˈfāv-(ə-)rət-ˌiz-əm
: unfairly favorable treatment of some while neglecting others
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