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meritocracy

 - 2 dictionary results

mer⋅i⋅toc⋅ra⋅cy

  [mer-i-tok-ruh-see]
Use meritocracy in a Sentence
–noun, plural -cies.
1. an elite group of people whose progress is based on ability and talent rather than on class privilege or wealth.
2. a system in which such persons are rewarded and advanced: The dean believes the educational system should be a meritocracy.
3. leadership by able and talented persons.
Origin:
1955–60; merit + -o- + -cracy

Related forms:
mer⋅i⋅to⋅crat⋅ic  [mer-i-tuh-krat-ik] , adjective
Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2009.
Cite This Source Link To meritocracy
mer·i·toc·ra·cy   (měr'ĭ-tŏk'rə-sē)   
n.   pl. mer·i·toc·ra·cies

  1. A system in which advancement is based on individual ability or achievement.

    1. A group of leaders or officeholders selected on the basis of individual ability or achievement.

    2. Leadership by such a group.

mer'it·o·crat' (-ĭ-tə-krāt') n., mer'it·o·crat'ic adj.
The American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, Fourth Edition
Copyright © 2009 by Houghton Mifflin Company.
Published by Houghton Mifflin Company. All rights reserved.
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