merit system
noun
a system or policy whereby people are promoted or rewarded on the basis of ability and achievement rather than because of seniority, quotas, patronage, or the like.
Origin of merit system
First recorded in 1895–1900
Words nearby merit system
meristematic,
meristic,
merit,
merit badge,
merit pay,
merit system,
meritocracy,
meritocrat,
meritorious,
merits,
meriç
British Dictionary definitions for merit system
merit system
noun
US
the system of employing and promoting civil servants solely on the basis of ability rather than patronage
Compare spoils system