favoritism
Playing to pets
Favoritism is the practice of giving unfair preferential treatment to one person or group over others.
It implies partiality where impartiality is expected: The coach's favoritism toward his own son frustrated the other players.
The word carries a negative charge—no one admits to favoritism, only accuses others of it.
Preformed unfavorable opinion
- discriminationUnjust differential treatment
- partialityUnfair favor toward some
- one-sidednessImbalanced viewpoint or treatment
- unfairnessUnjust or biased treatment
inequity · bigotry · partisanship · selectivity · subjectivity · unequal treatment · double standard · preferential treatment
Favoring friends in appointments
- patronageSupporter's financial backing
- insiderOne with confidential access
- cliqueExclusive social group
- in-groupExclusive social cluster
old boys' club · connections · networking · kinship · family ties · relatives · bloodline · dynasty
Corrupt payment for influence
- kickbackIllegal payment for services
- graftIllicit political gain
- improprietyUnsuitable or inappropriate behavior
- self-dealingMisusing fiduciary position
conflict of interest · collusion · misconduct · unethical · malfeasance · abuse of power · palm-greasing · payola
Favorable position or circumstance
- entitlementAssumed right to benefits
- perksAdditional job advantages
- special accessPermission beyond normal limits
- VIP treatmentPreferential service for notables
elite · exclusivity · immunity · exemption · dispensation · concession · fast-track · red carpet
Funded endorsement arrangement
- benefactorOne who gives aid
- beneficiaryDesignated asset receiver
- supporterOne who backs another
- backingAid or sponsorship
protection · advocacy · endorsement · mentorship · godfather · guardian · champion · promotion
prejudice
Preformed unfavorable opinion
- discriminationUnjust differential treatment
- partialityUnfair favor toward some
- one-sidednessImbalanced viewpoint or treatment
unfairness · inequity · bigotry · partisanship · selectivity · subjectivity · unequal treatment · double standard · preferential treatment · special treatment
cronyism
Favoring friends in appointments
- patronageSupporter's financial backing
- insiderOne with confidential access
- cliqueExclusive social group
in-group · old boys' club · connections · networking · kinship · family ties · relatives · bloodline · dynasty · lineage
bribery
Corrupt payment for influence
- kickbackIllegal payment for services
- graftIllicit political gain
- improprietyUnsuitable or inappropriate behavior
self-dealing · conflict of interest · collusion · misconduct · unethical · malfeasance · abuse of power · palm-greasing · payola · under the table
advantage
Favorable position or circumstance
- entitlementAssumed right to benefits
- perksAdditional job advantages
- special accessPermission beyond normal limits
VIP treatment · elite · exclusivity · immunity · exemption · dispensation · concession · fast-track · red carpet · leg up
sponsorship
Funded endorsement arrangement
- benefactorOne who gives aid
- beneficiaryDesignated asset receiver
- supporterOne who backs another
backing · protection · advocacy · endorsement · mentorship · godfather · guardian · champion · promotion · advancement
- bad behaviorcheating, stealing, lying, greed, selfishness
- social behaviorcourtesy, etiquette, friendship, greeting, cooperation
- biasprejudice, racism, bigotry, sexism, ageism
- favoritismnepotism, cronyism, partiality, preferential treatment, special treatment
- Spoils Systemspoils system, political patronage, patronage, cronyism, appointments
- teaching mistakesunclear instructions, lack of feedback, public shaming, losing control, impatience
favoritismimpartiality
Freedom from prejudice
fairness · equity · objectivity · even-handedness · neutrality
favoritismdiscrimination
Unjust differential treatment
disfavor · prejudice · persecution · victimization · odium