favoritism

Everyday

Favoritism is unfairly treating one person or group better than others, because you like them more, not because they deserve it. tree →

In the lessons

In school and family life, children notice favoritism when a teacher always picks the same pupil or a parent seems to prefer one child. In citizenship, favoritism in jobs or government is unfair and can be corruption. In stories, a parent's favoritism often causes jealousy between brothers and sisters, like Jacob giving Joseph the special coat in the Bible. Phrases: «show favoritism», «accused of favoritism».

Examples

• The coach was accused of favoritism because his son always played. tree →
• It's favoritism if the teacher only picks her friends' children. tree →
• Jacob's favoritism towards Joseph made his brothers jealous. tree →
• Parents try not to show favoritism. tree →
• Favoritism in hiring is unfair to good workers. tree →
• «That's favoritism!» my brother shouted when I got the bigger slice. tree →

Note

American spelling: favoritism; UK, Ireland, Australia, New Zealand and Canada usually write favouritism. Uncountable. Related: favourite / favorite, «teacher's pet».