meritocracy

[ mer-i-tok-ruh-see ]
/ ˌmɛr ɪˈtɒk rə si /

noun, plural mer·i·toc·ra·cies.

an elite group of people whose progress is based on ability and talent rather than on class privilege or wealth.
a system in which such persons are rewarded and advanced: The dean believes the educational system should be a meritocracy.
leadership by able and talented persons.

Origin of meritocracy

First recorded in 1955–60; merit + -o- + -cracy

OTHER WORDS FROM meritocracy

mer·i·to·crat·ic [mer-i-tuh-krat-ik] /ˌmɛr ɪ təˈkræt ɪk/, adjective

Words nearby meritocracy

meristic, merit, merit badge, merit pay, merit system, meritocracy, meritocrat, meritorious, merits, meriç, merk

Example sentences from the Web for meritocracy

British Dictionary definitions for meritocracy

meritocracy
/ (ˌmɛrɪˈtɒkrəsɪ) /

noun plural -cies

rule by persons chosen not because of birth or wealth, but for their superior talents or intellect
the persons constituting such a group
a social system formed on such a basis

Derived forms of meritocracy

meritocrat, noun meritocratic (ˌmɛrɪtəˈkrætɪk), adjective

Cultural definitions for meritocracy

meritocracy
[ (mer-i-tok-ruh-see) ]

A government or society in which citizens who display superior achievement are rewarded with positions of leadership. In a meritocracy, all citizens have the opportunity to be recognized and advanced in proportion to their abilities and accomplishments. The ideal of meritocracy has become controversial because of its association with the use of tests of intellectual ability, such as the Scholastic Aptitude Test, to regulate admissions to elite colleges and universities. Many contend that an individual's performance on these tests reflects his or her social class and family environment more than ability.