meritocratic

[mer-i-tuh-krat-ik]

adjective

1. based on ability and talent rather than class, privilege, or wealth.

   The prime minister has vowed to create a truly meritocratic country, where everyone will have a fair chance in life.

Word History and Origins

Origin of meritocratic¹

First recorded in 1955–60; meritocrat ( def. ) + -ic ( def. )

Example Sentences

“Other countries whose governments lack America’s commitment to freedom and democracy have shown how academic excellence can suffer when shifting external priorities tilt the research playing field away from free, meritocratic competition.”

Read more on Los Angeles Times

This system was hardly meritocratic, although it did provide for the ascension of accomplished political players who knew how to excite a crowd and leverage the tools of power.

Read more on Salon

"I wonder how ‘meritocratic’ a $1 million gift from daddy is to get your business started?" he mused. "Not much meritocracy there."

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While artists like Halsey and Florence Welch have expressed frustration at record label pressure to create viral videos, Smith calls TikTok a "meritocratic system" that rewards the effort you put in.

Read more on BBC

To do that, he has managed to secure the presence of 12 European teams for the event, which he has touted as the most meritocratic tournament in soccer.

Read more on New York Times