What does nepotism mean?
Nepotism is the practice of giving relatives preferential treatment, especially by appointing them to influential positions or granting them advantages that might otherwise go to more qualified or suitable candidates. The word is commonly used in political, institutional, and business contexts when people suspect that family connections have improperly influenced decisions. Although nepotism overlaps with the broader idea of favoritism, its defining feature is the family relationship involved. The term generally carries a strongly negative connotation because it suggests that personal ties have overridden fair competition or merit. Nepotism can be used in legal and historical discussion as well as in criticism of public appointments, corporate hiring, institutional appointments, and the allocation of contracts. The word comes through Italian from the Latin nepos, meaning “nephew,” and reflects a long history of rulers and officials using public offices to benefit their families.
nounThe practice of preferentially treating or employing relatives, especially by giving them positions, appointments, or other advantages.
- The preferential treatment of relatives, especially the granting of jobs, official positions, contracts, or other advantages to family members.
"The new administration was accused of nepotism after appointing several relatives to senior government posts."
"The charity faced criticism for what critics described as nepotism in the awarding of contracts."
"Her promotion was widely perceived as an example of political nepotism rather than a decision based on merit."
The plural is grammatically possible but uncommon; nepotism is normally used as an uncountable singular noun.
"The report documented several examples of nepotisms within regional administrations."
The word literally points to the family: it comes through Italian nepotismo from Latin nepos, meaning “nephew,” and recalls the practice of granting offices and advantages to relatives.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does nepotism come from?
Nepotism was borrowed from Italian nepotismo, which was formed from Latin nepos, meaning “nephew,” together with a form of the suffix -ism. The same Latin family includes nepta, meaning “niece,” which is the source of English niece. Historically, the term became associated with the practice of granting offices and privileges to relatives, particularly in political and papal contexts.
Related word forms
How nepotism is actually used
Generally formal and strongly evaluative, nepotism usually implies that a relative received an advantage because of the family connection rather than because of merit. It can describe practices in government, business, institutions, or families.
Easily confused with nepotism
Favoritism is the broader practice of showing preference to particular individuals, whereas nepotism specifically involves preference based on family relationships.
Cronyism favors friends, associates, or political allies, whereas nepotism favors relatives.