What does "favored" mean?

1. (preferred or liked) liked more than others or given special treatment. 2. (having an advantage) having better conditions or more luck than others.

How do you use "favored"?

Commonly used before a noun to indicate a status of preference.

favored

adj.

US //ˈfeɪvɝd// fa·vored

1 preferred or liked (adj.)
B2 Upper Intermediate American English

liked more than others or given special treatment.

regarded with particular approval or preference; often used to describe a candidate or option with the best chance of success.

Example

The blue team was the favored choice to win the tournament this year.

Example

Despite the lack of formal endorsement, she remained the favored candidate among the younger demographic of the electorate.

Usage

Commonly used before a noun to indicate a status of preference.
- disliked
- unpopular
2 having an advantage (adj.)
C1 Advanced American English Formal

having better conditions or more luck than others.

endowed with special advantages or privileges; often used in social or economic contexts.

Example

Children from favored backgrounds often have better access to private tutors.

Example

The report highlights how certain favored industries received significant tax breaks while smaller businesses struggled to survive.

Teacher's tip

In this context, the word implies a systemic or unfair advantage rather than just being liked.
- privileged
- advantaged
- disadvantaged
- underprivileged