Definition

1. Noun:
   • A disparaging term for an appointee: A "placeseeker" is a person who obtains a job, especially a government position, primarily through favoritism or political connections rather than merit or qualifications. The term carries a negative connotation, implying the individual is more interested in securing a position of profit or prestige than in performing the duties of the role.

Usage Examples

• Noun:
  • The reform aimed to eliminate placeseekers from the civil service and promote hiring based on skill.
  • Critics accused the administration of filling the department with loyal placeseekers.

Advanced Usage

• The term is often used in historical or political contexts, particularly when discussing the spoils system or patronage, where government jobs are given to supporters and friends.
• It can be used metaphorically to describe someone in any organization who seems to have gained their role through connections rather than ability.
  • In the corporate shake-up, several experienced managers were replaced by the CEO's placeseekers.

Variants and Related Words

• Place-seeking (noun): The act of seeking a position through favoritism.
  • His career was marked by relentless place-seeking.
• Placeman (noun): A very similar term, also disparaging, for a person appointed to a position, especially a government job, as a reward for political support.

Synonyms

• Appointee (neutral): A person who is appointed to a job or position.
• Placeman: A person appointed to a position, especially in government, as a reward for political support.
• Patronage appointee: An appointee who receives their position through a patronage system.

Related Phrases

• Spoils system: A practice where a political party, after winning an election, gives government jobs to its supporters, friends, and relatives. A "placeseeker" is a product of this system.
• Political patronage: The dispensing of favors or rewards, such as public offices, by a political party or official.

Noun

1. a disparaging term for an appointee