Cronyism Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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cronyism

[ˈkrəʊniɪz(ə)m ]

Definition

Context #1 | Noun

in business

The practice of favoring one's friends, especially in political appointments or business contracts, often at the expense of those who are qualified.

Synonyms

favoritism, nepotism, patronage.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
cronyism

Use it when referring to favoritism shown to close friends, especially in political and business settings.

  • The mayor was accused of cronyism when he appointed his high school friend to a top city position.
nepotism

Use it when referring to favoritism shown to family members, usually in jobs and positions of power.

  • The company was criticized for nepotism because the CEO hired his brother for a high-paying job without considering other candidates.
  • Nepotism in the workplace can demotivate other employees.
favoritism

This is a general term to describe unfair preference for someone over others, not necessarily linked to any relationship.

  • The teacher's favoritism towards certain students caused resentment among the others.
  • He was accused of favoritism for always giving his best friend the easiest tasks.
patronage

This word can be used in two contexts: to describe support given by patrons (often financial) for artists, organizations, etc., or to describe political favoritism in the distribution of jobs and resources. The latter sense often has a negative connotation.

  • The artist thrived due to the patronage of wealthy art lovers.
  • Political patronage led to unqualified people being appointed to important positions.

Examples of usage

  • His cronyism led to the hiring of unqualified individuals over more deserving candidates.
  • The company's reputation suffered due to the CEO's cronyism in awarding contracts.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Origin of 'cronyism'

The term 'cronyism' originated from the Greek word 'chronios', meaning 'long-lasting'. It was first used in English in the mid-19th century to refer to the practice of appointing friends to positions of authority without regard for their qualifications. Cronyism has been a subject of criticism in many societies, as it can lead to corruption and unfair advantages for those with personal connections.


Word Frequency Rank

Ranking #36,351, this word is encountered relatively rarely in everyday English. It might appear in literary works or specialized texts but isn't essential for general communication.