patronage

mastery
UK /ˈpætɹənɪd͡ʒ/ US /ˈpeɪtɹənɪd͡ʒ/nounverb

card 1 of 10 · context meaning

Which meaning of 'patronage' best fits the sentence?

Patronage, nepotism, cronyism, abuse of power, and criminal activity flourish in some government agencies.