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Justyna Jupowicz-Kozak
CEO of Professional Science Editing for Scientists @ prosciediting.com
nepotism
Grammar usage guide and real-world examplesUSAGE SUMMARY
The word "nepotism" is correct and usable in written English.
You could use this word to refer to the practice of showing favoritism to family and friends in positions of power or employment. For example, "The CEO has been accused of nepotism because he has hired several of his relatives."
✓ Grammatically correct
News & Media
Formal & Business
Table of contents
Usage summary
Human-verified examples
Expert writing tips
Linguistic context
Ludwig's wrap-up
Alternative expressions
FAQs
Human-verified examples from authoritative sources
Exact Expressions
60 human-written examples
"It's not nepotism!
News & Media
Yet, unlike the English (and Italians), I am imbued with an Australian contempt for divisions of class, for overt shows of elitism and blatant nepotism.
News & Media
Fury at corruption and nepotism, youth unemployment at 28.7%, low wages and limited job opportunities that force qualified Bulgarians to find work overseas, and a sense that those in power have for too long put their own interests above those of the country, have coalesced this year into one long pulse of anger.
News & Media
Although appalled by corruption, he cheerfully admits to granting interviews to journalists whose fathers were his friends (including, full disclosure, the editor who commissioned this piece), while denying others' requests, and looks astonished when I call this nepotism.
News & Media
The long-running political drama starring Malaysian opposition leader Anwar Ibrahim's relentless campaign to democratically reform Malaysia's government of its corruption and nepotism recently took another absurd turn with his criminal prosecution for allegedly sodomising a former aide.
News & Media
No, it's not about nepotism, it's about helping people, if you know them".
News & Media
Too much of big business and government depends on nepotism and unfair chances in life.
News & Media
It found remote communities were vulnerable to nepotism and exploitation by both community leaders and people with links to organised crime, targeting mining royalties and government funds meant for Indigenous programs.
News & Media
What applies here is: An agreement is an agreement!" Meanwhile, Germany's left-leaning die Tageszeitung reported that "the victory of Syriza is a chance for Greece to free itself from the decades of corruption and nepotism, with which both the conservative New Democracy and the social democratic Pasok were inextricably bound".
News & Media
I despair at the inefficiency and corruption of the political system, the nepotism that flavours the labour market and the cultural emphasis on la bella figura, which values grooming, being well turned out and living in a well-kept home over national pride and a collective respect for the public domain.
News & Media
Still, his administration has been accused of nepotism and cronyism over the hiring of children of senior officials and an unqualified campaign supporter.In the past the mayor has denied running a corrupt campaign, claiming ignorance of his aides' misdeeds.
News & Media
Expert writing Tips
Best practice
When discussing "nepotism", provide specific examples or instances to strengthen your argument and avoid generalizations. Clear evidence makes the accusation more credible.
Common error
Avoid justifying "nepotism" by framing it as mere 'help' to someone you know. While helping others is generally positive, "nepotism" implies an unfair advantage based on relationships rather than merit.
Source & Trust
89%
Authority and reliability
4.5/5
Expert rating
Real-world application tested
Linguistic Context
The primary grammatical function of "nepotism" is as a noun, referring to the practice of showing favoritism to relatives or friends, especially by giving them jobs. This is supported by Ludwig's analysis.
Frequent in
News & Media
61%
Formal & Business
21%
Science
18%
Less common in
Encyclopedias
0%
Wiki
0%
Reference
0%
Ludwig's WRAP-UP
In summary, "nepotism" functions as a noun denoting the act of favoring relatives or friends, especially in professional settings. Ludwig indicates its usage is grammatically correct and very common, primarily within News & Media and Formal & Business contexts. The term often carries negative connotations, used to criticize unfair practices. When writing about "nepotism", it's advisable to provide concrete examples and avoid downplaying it as simple "helping". Understanding its implications is crucial for maintaining fairness and transparency in various spheres.
More alternative expressions(6)
Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:
favoritism towards relatives
Emphasizes the preferential treatment given to family members.
preferential treatment of family
Highlights the biased handling in favor of family ties.
bias towards family members
Highlights the prejudice or inclination towards one's own family.
cronyism
Refers to favoritism towards friends and associates, similar to "nepotism" but broader.
unfair preference
Focuses on the unjust priority given to certain individuals.
patronage
Focuses on the support and influence given, often in a political context.
family connections
Emphasizes the role of family relationships in gaining advantages.
undue advantage
Highlights the unfair benefit gained through improper means.
inequitable opportunities
Highlights the lack of fairness in the distribution of chances.
old boys' network
Refers to an exclusive group that favors its members, often based on shared background.
FAQs
How can I use "nepotism" in a sentence?
"Nepotism" can be used to describe situations where someone in power unfairly favors relatives or friends, such as, "The company's hiring practices were criticized for alleged nepotism.""
What's a good alternative to the word "nepotism"?
Depending on the context, you could use "favoritism towards relatives", "cronyism", or "preferential treatment".
Is "nepotism" always a negative thing?
While not inherently illegal, "nepotism" is generally viewed negatively because it undermines meritocracy and can lead to less qualified individuals being placed in important positions.
How does "nepotism" differ from simply helping a family member?
"Nepotism" implies an unfair advantage or preferential treatment in a professional context, whereas helping a family member can be unrelated to professional opportunities or competence.
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Table of contents
Usage summary
Human-verified examples
Expert writing tips
Linguistic context
Ludwig's wrap-up
Alternative expressions
FAQs
Source & Trust
89%
Authority and reliability
4.5/5
Expert rating
Real-world application tested