cronyism
UK[ˈkrəʊ.ni.ɪ.zəm]US[ˈkroʊ.ni.ɪ.zəm]
n
the situation in which someone important gives jobs to friends rather than to independent people who have the necessary skills and experience.
n
the improper appointment of friends and associates to positions of authority.
Morpheme Breakdown
crony
ism
crony
friend
ism
practice or system
Etymology
the word 'cronyism' is a relatively modern formation, emerging in american english during the mid-19th century. its core, 'crony', entered english in the 17th century from cambridge university slang, derived from the greek khronios meaning 'long-lasting', which conceptually evolved to signify an old, trusted friend. the suffix '-ism', of greek origin via latin, is used to form nouns indicating a practice or system. therefore, cronyism literally translates to 'the practice of (favouring) old friends', capturing the essence of granting advantages based on personal friendship rather than merit or objective criteria.
Analysis
Structure: crony (friend) + ism (practice or system)
crony (origin: Greek khronios 'long-lasting', via 17th-century Cambridge University slang 'crony' meaning 'old friend'; functional role: root, denoting a close companion). ism (origin: Greek -ismos, forming nouns of action or practice; functional role: suffix, denoting a distinctive practice, system, or philosophy).
Examples
the administration was accused of cronyism after several high-profile appointments went to the president's college friends.
cronyism in the awarding of government contracts undermines fair competition and public trust.
the company's culture of cronyism prevented talented outsiders from advancing into leadership roles.