favoritism

/ˌfeɪvərɪˈtɪzəm/

/ˈfeɪvrɪtɪzəm/

Other forms: favoritisms

A teacher who shows a clear preference for a particular student might be accused of favoritism, or favoring one person over others.

The noun favoritism can simply describe the habit of preferring one particular person or group of people, but it often implies that it's done at the expense of other people. Your grandmother practices favoritism if she clearly likes one of her grandchildren best, and a politician is guilty of favoritism if she gives tax breaks to one group but not to others. The word favorite is at the root of favoritism, from the Latin root favere, "to show kindness to."

Definitions of favoritism

1. noun

   an inclination to favor some person or group
   synonyms: favouritism

   type of:

   disposition, inclination, tendency

   an attitude of mind especially one that favors one alternative over others
2. noun

   unfair treatment of a person or group on the basis of prejudice
   synonyms: discrimination, favouritism

   types:

   able-bodiedism, able-bodism, ableism, ablism

   discrimination in favor of the able-bodied

   ageism, agism

   discrimination against people based on how old they are (especially elderly or middle-aged individuals)

   cronyism

   favoritism shown to friends and associates (as by appointing them to positions without regard for their qualifications)

   fatism, fattism

   discrimination against people who are overweight

   heterosexism

   discrimination in favor of heterosexual and against homosexual people

   nepotism

   favoritism shown to relatives or close friends by those in power (as by giving them jobs)

   racial discrimination, racialism, racism

   discriminatory or abusive behavior towards members of another race

   sexism

   discriminatory or abusive behavior towards members of the opposite sex

   racial profiling

   a form of racism consisting of the (alleged) policy of policemen who stop and search vehicles driven by persons belonging to particular racial groups

   antifeminism, chauvinism, male chauvinism

   activity indicative of belief in the superiority of men over women

   sexual discrimination

   discrimination (usually in employment) that excludes one sex (usually women) to the benefit of the other sex

   type of:

   social control

   control exerted (actively or passively) by group action