What does meritocratic mean?
Meritocratic refers to a system or organization that rewards individuals based on their abilities, achievements, or qualities, rather than their wealth, social status, or other factors. This principle is often associated with democracy and fairness, and is seen as a way to promote social mobility and equality. In a meritocratic system, individuals are judged on their merits, and those who excel are rewarded accordingly. This approach is often contrasted with elitist or aristocratic systems, where privilege and social status play a larger role. Meritocratic systems can be found in various contexts, including education, business, and government. While there are many benefits to meritocratic systems, there are also potential drawbacks, such as the emphasis on individual achievement over collective well-being. Overall, meritocratic is an important concept in modern society, and its principles are widely debated and discussed.
adjectiveRelating to or characterized by the principle of meritocracy, where individuals are rewarded or advanced based on their abilities, achievements, or qualities, rather than their wealth, social status, or other factors.
- Relating to or characterized by the principle of meritocracy
"The company prides itself on being a meritocratic organization, where promotions are based on performance and hard work."
"The company prides itself on being a meritocratic organization, where promotions are based on performance and hard work."
"The meritocratic system ensures that the best candidates are selected for the job."
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Etymology of meritocratic
The word meritocratic is derived from the words 'merit' and 'cracy', with 'cracy' coming from the Greek word 'kratos', meaning 'power' or 'rule'. The term meritocracy was first coined in the 1950s by British sociologist Michael Young, who used it to describe a hypothetical society where individuals were rewarded based on their abilities and achievements. Since then, the term has been widely adopted in various fields, including sociology, politics, and business.
How meritocratic is actually used
In formal or academic contexts, meritocratic is often used to describe systems or organizations that prioritize merit and achievement over other factors. In informal contexts, it may be used to describe a sense of fairness or justice.