Skip to content

clientelare

clientelistic

adjective klee-en-teh-LAH-reh Rare

Usage Note

Clientelare refers to a system built on political patronage and favours rather than merit. It is closely associated with Italian political discourse; il sistema clientelare (the clientelistic system) is a common critical phrase. The related noun is clientelismo.

Examples

"Le assunzioni clientelari danneggiano la meritocrazia."

Natural Translation

Clientelistic appointments damage meritocracy.

Free starter pack

Building your Italian vocabulary?

Get the 100 most common Italian words as a free PDF — one email, no spam.

Explore Italian by topic