Definition

1. Noun:
   • A system or society where power and advancement are based on individual ability, talent, and effort, rather than wealth, birth, or class: A meritocracy is a social structure in which success and positions of authority are earned through demonstrated merit.
   • The belief in or advocacy of such a system: Meritocracy can also refer to the ideology that supports rewarding people based on their achievements and skills.

Usage Examples

• Noun:
  • The company prides itself on being a meritocracy where promotions are based solely on performance.
  • He is a strong believer in meritocracy and opposes any form of nepotism.
  • Critics argue that a perfect meritocracy is an ideal that is difficult to achieve in practice.

Advanced Usage

• "The myth of meritocracy": A common critical phrase suggesting that the idea of a pure merit-based system is an unattainable or misleading concept, often used to highlight persistent inequalities.
  • The book explores the myth of meritocracy in modern education systems.

Variants and Related Words

• Meritocratic (adj): Characteristic of or based on a meritocracy.
  • They strive to maintain a meritocratic hiring process.
• Meritocrat (n): A person who holds power or position in a meritocracy, or an advocate for such a system.
  • The new director was a true meritocrat who had risen through the ranks.

Synonyms

• Competence-based system: A system where advancement depends on skill and ability.
• Achievement-oriented society: A society that values and rewards personal accomplishments.

Related Phrases

• "Rise on merit": To achieve success or promotion because of one's own abilities.
  • In a fair system, everyone should have the chance to rise on merit.

Noun

1. the belief that rulers should be chosen for their superior abilities and not because of their wealth or birth
2. a form of social system in which power goes to those with superior intellects