noun

meritocracy

merr-i-TOK-ruh-see

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Meritocracy (noun) means a system in which people advance according to their ability and effort rather than their wealth, class or connections. Example: “The firm claims to be a meritocracy where the best ideas win.”

noun

A system in which people advance according to their ability and effort rather than their wealth, class or connections.

"The firm claims to be a meritocracy where the best ideas win."

"Critics argue that a true meritocracy is impossible while schooling is so unequal."

The group of people who hold power in such a system.

"A new technical meritocracy came to dominate the industry."

The belief that positions and rewards ought to be distributed on merit alone.

"Meritocracy is the founding creed of the modern civil service exam."

How to use meritocracy

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishA system where you get ahead because of how good you are, not who you know.

When to use it

Formal to neutral; frequent in politics, education and management writing.

Memory tip

The adjective is meritocratic, and a person who believes in the system is a meritocrat.

Trace the full origin ↓

Easily confused with

aristocracy → technocracy → bureaucracy →

Common pairings

pure meritocracy myth of meritocracy meritocracy of talent

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C2 · Advanced serendipity Fortunate discoveries made entirely by accident.

Gen Z slang rizz Charm — the ability to attract a romantic interest.

B2 · Intermediate empathy The capacity to share another person’s feelings.

C1 · Advanced nonchalant Casually calm and relaxed; unconcerned.

Internet slang delulu Delusional — believing something against the odds.

Etymology nostalgia Greek nostos “return home” + algos “pain”.

C2 · Advanced serendipity Fortunate discoveries made entirely by accident.

Gen Z slang rizz Charm — the ability to attract a romantic interest.

B2 · Intermediate empathy The capacity to share another person’s feelings.

C1 · Advanced nonchalant Casually calm and relaxed; unconcerned.

Internet slang delulu Delusional — believing something against the odds.

Etymology nostalgia Greek nostos “return home” + algos “pain”.

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Fill the gap

Can you complete this real example?

The firm claims to be a _____ where the best ideas win.

Etymology

From Latin meritum 'that which is deserved' plus -cracy, from Greek -kratia 'rule, power'. The word was coined in English in the mid-20th century.

Origin: Latin

Synonyms

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elite ruling class

Antonyms

nepotism aristocracy plutocracy

Related words

exclusive select Olympic elite masses nephew elect nobility

Rhymes for meritocracy

racy lacy Macy Gacy Stacy Tracy lunacy papacy legacy piracy privacy fallacy

See all rhymes for meritocracy →

Frequently asked questions

What is the difference between meritocracy and equality?

Equality is about people having the same standing or the same starting point; meritocracy is about unequal rewards distributed by ability and effort. A meritocracy accepts unequal outcomes provided the competition was fair.

Is meritocracy a positive or negative word?

It began as a satirical coinage and is still used critically, but in everyday business and political speech it is usually positive, describing a fair system. Tone depends heavily on the writer.

What is the opposite of a meritocracy?

A system where position comes from birth, wealth or connections, such as an aristocracy, a plutocracy, or an organisation run on nepotism.

What is the meaning of meritocracy?

"meritocracy" (noun) means a system in which people advance according to their ability and effort rather than their wealth, class or connections.

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exclusive select Olympic elite masses nephew elect nobility