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meritocracy

Meritocracy (noun) – Meaning, Examples & Etymology

noun

IPA:

/ˌmɛrɪˈtɒkrəsi/

What does meritocracy mean?

A political and social system in which power and opportunity are based on merit, or individual ability and achievement.
"A meritocracy can create a culture of competition and pressure to succeed."

Detailed Meaning of Meritocracy

In a meritocracy, individuals are judged based on their talents, skills, and accomplishments, rather than their social status or connections. The idea behind meritocracy is that talent and hard work should determine success and advancement, rather than factors such as wealth or social background. Meritocracy is often seen as a fairer and more just system than traditional systems based on inherited privilege, as it offers equal opportunities for all individuals to succeed.

Example Sentences for Meritocracy

1. In a meritocracy, hard work and talent are the keys to success.
2. The government of this country operates on a meritocracy system.
3. Meritocracy is a system in which the best rise to the top based on merit.
4. The education system in this country is built on a meritocracy model.
5. In a true meritocracy, everyone has an equal opportunity to succeed.
6. Meritocracy is often considered a fairer way to allocate resources and opportunities.

Origin and Etymology of Meritocracy

The noun 'meritocracy' is a relatively modern term, coined in the mid-20th century by the British sociologist Michael Young in his book 'The Rise of the Meritocracy.' Its formation is a blend of two words: 'merit' and '-ocracy.' 'Merit' is derived from the Latin 'meritum,' which means 'worth' or 'desert,' and '-ocracy' comes from the Greek 'kratos,' meaning 'power' or 'rule.' Therefore, 'meritocracy' literally means 'rule by merit' or a system in which power and opportunities are based on an individual's worth, ability, and achievements. It was intended to describe a hypothetical ideal society where advancement and influence would be determined solely by a person's talents and efforts, rather than by social class or privilege. The term's etymology reflects the concept of a society organized around the principle of rewarding merit.

Quiz Question - Test Your Understanding

Find the correct meaning of the noun meritocracy:

oligarchy

favoritism

nepotism

competence

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Correct!

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More Usage Examples of Meritocracy

1. The corporate world is often criticized for not being a true meritocracy.
2. Some argue that a meritocracy can lead to a lack of diversity.
3. Meritocracy is a popular concept in the world of business and politics.
4. The concept of meritocracy can be traced back to ancient China.
5. Meritocracy is a system in which the talented are chosen and moved ahead on the basis of their achievement.
6. In a meritocracy, individuals are rewarded based on their abilities and achievements.
7. The company aimed to create a meritocracy, where promotions were based on performance rather than favoritism.
8. The concept of a meritocracy promotes equal opportunities for individuals to succeed.
9. The educational system aimed to foster a meritocracy by providing resources and support to all students.
10. In a true meritocracy, social status is determined by one's accomplishments, not their background.
11. The government aimed to establish a meritocracy by implementing fair and transparent selection processes.
12. The organization's meritocracy encouraged employees to continuously improve their skills and contribute to the team's success.
13. The book explored the challenges and limitations of a meritocracy, questioning whether it truly exists.
14. The meritocracy of the sports industry is often reflected in the salaries and endorsements of top athletes.
15. The business thrived under a meritocracy, as talented individuals rose to positions of leadership.
16. The notion of a meritocracy is often debated, as systemic biases and inequalities can still impact opportunities.
17. The company's success was attributed to its meritocracy, attracting talented individuals who were eager to excel.
18. The political leader believed in a meritocracy, appointing qualified individuals based on their expertise and skills.
19. The education system aimed to provide equal access to resources and opportunities, promoting a meritocracy.
20. The notion of a meritocracy encourages individuals to work hard and develop their talents to succeed.
21. The meritocracy in the arts industry relies on the recognition and appreciation of exceptional talent and creativity.
22. The company's performance evaluation system was designed to ensure a fair meritocracy.
23. The meritocracy in the technology sector rewards innovation and problem-solving skills.
24. Critics argue that a true meritocracy is difficult to achieve due to systemic biases and unequal starting points.
25. The meritocracy of the competition allowed the best candidate to secure the job based on their qualifications.