favouritism

USAGE SUMMARY

'favouritism' is correct and commonly used in written English.
It is usually used to describe the act of showing favouritism, when someone is given preferential treatment on the basis of their personal connections or characteristics instead of on the basis of merit. For example: "The manager's constant favouritism towards certain employees has caused tension among the staff."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

The favouritism and in-school politics are off-putting, and there is every chance that I won't get enough hours to financially support me.

The Guardian

The administration has said the visit is too close to Israel's upcoming elections and it does not want to show any favouritism.

The Guardian

But because control of it is within your very particular power as mayor, and because a place like this has a lot of people competing for very limited resources, even the perception of unfairness or favouritism is something you really do need to avoid.

The Guardian

One of my colleagues believes in eating naturally, and is annoyed at the favouritism shown to avant-garde and molecular food".

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Let's deal with the other part of the youth service allegations, and this connects up with the claims of favouritism over grant allocation made in the Panorama programme.

The Guardian

That Manchester should enjoy Treasury favouritism was galling – and Labour Manchester at that.

The Guardian

(Any accusations of old-school favouritism can be scotched immediately, by the way – Carswell studied history at the University of East Anglia).

The Guardian

McCausland has been under fire over the last few months over allegations of favouritism to firms regarding contracts for public housing contracts.

The Guardian

It was a momentous night on a number of levels: club record-equalling number of wins (12), Josh Kennedy's record number of contested possessions (a mind-blowing 29), a 10-goal third quarter (including five from Lance Franklin), top spot and flag favouritism preserved.

The Guardian - Sport

But officials are wary of choosing buyers, because they risk being charged with favouritism.

The Economist

The obvious danger for chaebol firms is that favouritism, rather than business acumen, could lead one to buy from another.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When discussing "favouritism", provide specific examples or instances to support your claim and avoid generalizations. This adds credibility to your argument.

Common error

Ensure that your use of the term "favouritism" accurately reflects unfair or biased treatment, and is not simply acknowledging someone's hard work or positive attributes. Clearly distinguish between recognizing merit and displaying inappropriate bias.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "favouritism" is as a noun. It typically acts as the subject or object of a sentence, denoting the concept of unfairly favoring one person or group over another. Ludwig provides many examples where "favouritism" is used to describe situations in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

59%

Formal & Business

20%

Science

19%

Less common in

Reference

1%

Encyclopedias

1%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The term "favouritism" is a commonly used noun that describes unfair preferential treatment. As confirmed by Ludwig, it's grammatically correct and appears frequently in diverse sources like news, business, and scientific articles. Recognizing the subtle signs of "favouritism", such as those better described by alternatives like "partiality" or "nepotism", is crucial to mitigate its effects in the workplace or any environment. Avoiding "favouritism" ensures fairness, improves morale, and fosters a more equitable environment.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

partiality

Indicates a preference or bias towards someone or something; emphasizes the lack of impartiality.

bias

Suggests a preformed opinion or inclination that prevents impartial judgment.

nepotism

Specifically refers to favouritism shown to relatives, particularly in professional settings.

cronyism

Implies favouritism towards friends and associates, especially in political or business contexts.

preferential treatment

A more direct way of saying someone is being treated better than others.

undue preference

Highlights that the preference is inappropriate or excessive.

inequitable conduct

Broader term suggesting unfair or unjust behavior, which can include favouritism.

discrimination

Refers to unfair treatment based on specific characteristics like race, gender, or religion.

partisanship

Suggests bias in favor of a particular party or cause.

inequality

Broader term referring to disparities in treatment or opportunity, which can stem from favouritism.

FAQs

How can "favouritism" affect a workplace?

"Favouritism" can lead to decreased morale, lower productivity, and increased resentment among employees who feel they are not being treated fairly. It can also create a toxic work environment.

What are some signs of "favouritism" in an organization?

Signs include consistently promoting certain individuals over others with equal or better qualifications, assigning more desirable tasks to specific people, and overlooking the mistakes of favoured employees.

What's the difference between "nepotism" and "favouritism"?

"Nepotism" is a specific type of "favouritism" where preference is given to relatives, while "favouritism" can apply to anyone, including friends, colleagues, or those with shared interests.

What can I do if I suspect "favouritism" in my workplace?

Document specific instances of "favouritism" and report them to HR or a supervisor. If the situation is not addressed, consider seeking legal advice.