seniority

[seen-yawr-i-tee, -yor-]

noun

plural

seniorities 

1. the state of being senior; priority of birth; superior age.

2. priority, precedence, or status obtained as the result of a person's length of service, as in a profession, trade, company, or union.

   First choice of vacation time will be given to employees with seniority.

seniority

/ ˌsiːnɪˈɒrɪtɪ /

noun

1. the state of being senior

2. precedence in rank, etc, due to senior status

seniority

1. Length of service on a job. Seniority may be considered in making decisions about wages, layoffs, and other working conditions.

Word History and Origins

Origin of seniority¹

1400–50; late Middle English < Medieval Latin seniōritās, equivalent to Latin senior senior + -itās -ity

Example Sentences

Despite this, she told Axios on Thursday that she would seek reelection in 2026: “I say my seniority is what is very important, and I am not going to step aside.”

From Salon

These challengers often criticize the seniority of older lawmakers.

From Salon

But if the new lines go through for 2026, they could pit long-serving older members of the Texas delegation against younger newcomers, drudging up existing tensions in the Democratic Party over age and seniority.

From Salon

Nacua, a third-year pro, was eager to put aside his seniority with the Rams.

From Los Angeles Times

The rules apply to ministers, civil servants and special advisers for either one or two years after they leave their role, depending on their seniority.

From BBC

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