English vocabulary · C2
Meritocracy
/ˌmerɪˈtɑːkrəsi/ · n.
A meritocracy gives top jobs to people who do good work. Skill matters more than rich parents or knowing the right people.
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Example sentences
- Skill rules in a meritocracy.
- A meritocracy chose our chef.
Word origin and roots
- merit — worth (from Latin)
- cracy — rule (from Greek)
Synonyms and nuances
- MERIT SYSTEM — selection based on ability (Jobs earned through skill)
- EARNED RULE — leadership based on skill (Power earned through ability)
- EARNED POWER — power earned through ability (Leading through good work)
Words with the same root
cracy — rule
- democracy — rule by the people
- bureaucracy — rule through official offices
- autocracy — rule by one person
Lesson notes
A meritocracy gives top jobs to people who do good work. Skill matters more than rich parents or knowing the right people.
Related: merit system, earned rule, earned power. Use meritocracy when skill rules.
Skill rules in a meritocracy. A meritocracy chose our chef.
Merit- means worth. Cracy- means rule. Work shows worth to rule: meritocracy.