noun
- the act of trying to gain favor with someone in authority by excessive flattery or obsequious behavior
Usage: informal; derogatory
Examples
- His constant brownnosing of the boss made his coworkers uncomfortable.
- She got the promotion through brownnosing rather than merit.
- The teacher could see right through the student’s obvious brownnosing.
- Everyone in the office was tired of his shameless brownnosing.
- Her brownnosing behavior damaged her reputation among peers.
- The manager discouraged brownnosing and valued honest feedback instead.