meritocracy — a system in which advancement is based on individual ability or achievement
Part of speech: NOUN
Definition: a system in which advancement is based on individual ability or achievement
Pronunciation (IPA): /ˈmerɪtɑːkrəsi/
Example Sentences
- Silicon Valley claims to be a meritocracy, but some argue that networking matters more than coding skills.
- In a perfect meritocracy, the smartest student would always become class president, not the one with the most friends.
- The chess club operates as a true meritocracy where your ranking depends entirely on your wins and losses.
meritocracy
NOUN[/ˈmerɪtɑːkrəsi/]
a system in which advancement is based on individual ability or achievement
In a true meritocracy, the hardest worker earns the top spot, not the well-connected one.
From meritocracy to democracy, avoiding bureaucracy!
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🎤Pronunciation
🌳Etymology
Origin
Coined in 1958 by British sociologist Michael Young in his dystopian novel, combining Latin 'meritum' meaning merit or worth with Greek 'kratia' meaning rule or power. Originally intended as a negative concept, it now often carries positive connotations.
Breakdown
merit (Latin: worth, desert) + -cracy (Greek: rule, government)
🎵Rhyme
🔗Collocations
📝Examples
“Silicon Valley claims to be a meritocracy, but some argue that networking matters more than coding skills.”
“In a perfect meritocracy, the smartest student would always become class president, not the one with the most friends.”
“The chess club operates as a true meritocracy where your ranking depends entirely on your wins and losses.”
“My mom insists our family dinner table is a meritocracy - whoever cooks the best dish gets the biggest portion.”
📚Related Words
Synonyms
Antonyms
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