meritocracy
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.”
How to use meritocracy
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishA system where you get ahead because of how good you are, not who you know.
Formal to neutral; frequent in politics, education and management writing.
The adjective is meritocratic, and a person who believes in the system is a meritocrat.
Trace the full origin ↓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.
Synonyms
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Related words
Rhymes for meritocracy
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.