meritocracy

[mer-i-tok-ruh-see]

noun

plural

meritocracies 

1. an elite group of people whose progress is based on ability and talent rather than on class, privilege, or wealth.

2. a system in which such persons are rewarded and advanced.

   The dean believes the educational system should be a meritocracy.

3. leadership by able and talented persons.

meritocracy

/ ˌmɛrɪtəˈkrætɪk, ˌmɛrɪˈtɒkrəsɪ /

noun

1. rule by persons chosen not because of birth or wealth, but for their superior talents or intellect

2. the persons constituting such a group

3. a social system formed on such a basis

meritocracy

1. A government or society in which citizens who display superior achievement are rewarded with positions of leadership. In a meritocracy, all citizens have the opportunity to be recognized and advanced in proportion to their abilities and accomplishments. The ideal of meritocracy has become controversial because of its association with the use of tests of intellectual ability, such as the Scholastic Aptitude Test, to regulate admissions to elite colleges and universities. Many contend that an individual's performance on these tests reflects his or her social class and family environment more than ability.

Other Word Forms

• meritocratic adjective
• meritocrat noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of meritocracy¹

First recorded in 1955–60; merit + -o- + -cracy

Example Sentences

“What we want to stay really judicious on is: Are we hiring the absolute best, and does the meritocracy work all the way through the system?” he said.

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While Brussels has praised progress made since the 2014 revolution, its latest monitoring report said: "The integrity, meritocracy and capacities of the judiciary and prosecutorial service... remain weak."

Read more on Barron's

Exchanging compliance for government funding destroys the integrity and meritocracy of research.

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They aren’t monarchs chosen by God or birthright, but fellow citizens elected to lead a nation designed around hard work, integrity, equality and meritocracy as the keys to prosperity.

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That means policies that encourage wealth creation while ensuring broad distribution: meritocracy, progressive taxation, and strong social safety nets.

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