What does sycophancy mean?
Sycophancy is the practice of flattering another person, especially someone powerful or influential, in order to gain favour, approval, or practical advantage. The word is usually critical: it distinguishes flattering praise from sincere admiration by suggesting excessive, contrived, or self-interested behaviour. People may be accused of sycophancy when they repeatedly praise a leader, agree with someone in order to avoid displeasing them, or flatter the powerful while neglecting their own judgement. In political and workplace discussion, it often suggests a broader culture in which subordinates reward leaders who expect praise rather than honest criticism. Although ordinary compliments are not necessarily sycophantic, sycophancy is associated with performing deference and adjusting one’s opinions to suit those in authority. The word derives from a much older tradition of accusing informers and false witnesses, giving it a history of deception and self-interest beneath outward loyalty.
nounThe excessive or insincere flattering of someone, especially a person of authority, in order to gain favour or advantage.
- Excessive or insincere flattery intended to win favour or advantage from someone influential.
"His sycophancy earned him influence with the minister, but destroyed his credibility with colleagues."
"The minister surrounded himself with sycophants who never questioned his decisions."
"Her frank criticism was occasionally mistaken for insubordination, but it bore little resemblance to the sycophancy of his other advisers."
The plural is uncommon because the word is normally used in the singular or as an uncountable mass noun.
"Workplace cultures can suppress honest feedback through sycophancies directed toward senior managers."
Sycophancy began as a serious accusation: its Greek ancestor meant an informer or false accuser before the word drifted toward flattering power-hungry courtiers.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does sycophancy come from?
The word comes through French from the Latin sycophanta, which was borrowed from the Greek sykophantēs, meaning an informer or false accuser. In early English, the term referred to informers, flatterers, and dishonest or deceptive people. Its later meaning narrowed to the act of flattering someone from a position of power or dependence.
Related word forms
How sycophancy is actually used
The term is strongly negative and generally implies that the praise is excessive, insincere, or self-serving. It is especially common in political, institutional, and workplace contexts.
Easily confused with sycophancy
Sycophancy is the behaviour itself; sycophantic is the adjective used to describe that behaviour or the people who engage in it.