Definition of NEPOTISM

nepotism

Meanings

Plural: nepotisms

Noun

  • favoritism shown to relatives or close friends by those in power (as by giving them jobs)
  • The favoring of relatives (most strictly) or also personal friends (more broadly) because of their relationship rather than because of their abilities.

Origin / Etymology

Borrowed from French népotisme, from Italian nepotismo, from Latin nepōs (“nephew”), a reference to the practice of popes appointing relatives (most often nephews) as cardinals during the Middle Ages and Renaissance.

Antonyms

meritocracy

Scrabble Score: 12

nepotism is a valid Scrabble (US) TWL word
nepotism is a valid Scrabble Word in Merriam-Webster MW Dictionary
nepotism is a valid Scrabble Word in International Collins CSW Dictionary

Words With Friends Score: 15

nepotism is a valid Words With Friends word