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Cronyism: meaning, pronunciation and examples
Cronyism noun. Giving jobs, contracts or favours to friends and allies rather than to whoever is best qualified.
How to say it
KROH-nee-iz-um/ˈkrəʊnɪɪz(ə)m/
4 syllables, stressed on the first (KROH).
Cronyism in a sentence
When three of the mayor's golfing partners won council contracts, the papers cried cronyism.
The new rules on public tenders were meant to stamp out cronyism.
Similar and opposite
Similar:
- favouritism
- nepotism
- patronage
- jobs for the boys
Opposite:
- fairness
- impartiality
Where cronyism comes from
From crony, 17th-century university slang for an old friend, probably from Greek khronios, long-lasting.
Test yourself
Which word fills the gap?
The new rules on public tenders were meant to stamp out _____.
- cronyism
- kakistocracy
- functionary
Show the answer
cronyism: The new rules on public tenders were meant to stamp out cronyism.