favouritism

Everyday

Favouritism is unfairly treating one person or group better than others, for example a teacher always choosing the same pupil or a parent giving one child more. tree →

In the lessons

In ethics lessons and family stories favouritism causes jealousy, as in the Bible story of Joseph, whose father gave him a special coat. In school and sport, fair adults try not to show favouritism. Phrases: «show favouritism», «accuse someone of favouritism», «no favouritism».

Examples

• The coach was accused of favouritism. tree →
• Jacob's favouritism towards Joseph made his brothers jealous. tree →
• A good teacher avoids favouritism. tree →
• Mum says there is no favouritism in our house. tree →
• Favouritism can make people feel left out. tree →
• The other workers complained about favouritism. tree →
• Picking teams by drawing names stops favouritism. tree →

Note

Uncountable. British, Irish, Canadian and Australian spelling «favouritism»; American «favoritism». Related: favourite, favour. Liking someone is fine; favouritism is treating them unfairly better.