Use meritocracy when discussing selection or advancement by demonstrated ability, qualifications, or results. The word can be positive, but it is often debated because systems that claim to reward merit may still reflect class, money, bias, or unequal opportunity.
| Incorrect | Correct |
| The company is meritocracy. | The company is a meritocracy. |
| Meritocracy means everyone is equal. | Meritocracy means advancement is based on merit. |
| He was hired by meritocracy. | He was hired on merit. |
Use meritocracy for the ruling or influential group only when the context makes the group sense clear, such as a member of the meritocracy. Otherwise readers may expect the more common system meaning.
| Incorrect | Correct |
| She joined meritocracy after the exam. | She joined the meritocracy after the exam. |
| A meritocracy person led the ministry. | A member of the meritocracy led the ministry. |
| The meritocracy are a system. | The meritocracy is an elite group in this sentence. |
Use the word carefully because it can describe an ideal, a claimed system, or a criticized ideology. When fairness is uncertain, phrases such as supposed meritocracy or claim of meritocracy keep the meaning precise.
The company is meritocracy needs the article a. Also avoid using the word as if it automatically means fairness, since a meritocracy may be claimed rather than real.
Formed from merit plus -o- and -cracy, the suffix meaning rule or power. The word appeared in print in 1956 in an article by Alan Fox and became closely associated with Michael Young's 1958 satirical book The Rise of the Meritocracy, where it had a critical meaning.
What does meritocracy mean?
It means a system where people advance because of ability, achievement, effort, or performance rather than wealth, family, or status.
Is meritocracy always positive?
No. It can be used positively, but it is also criticized when unequal opportunity makes the idea of merit unfair or misleading.
What is the plural of meritocracy?
The plural is meritocracies.
Who coined meritocracy?
The word appeared in print in 1956 with Alan Fox and was popularized by Michael Young in The Rise of the Meritocracy in 1958.
What is an example of meritocracy?
A workplace that promotes people because of proven performance rather than family connections is often described as a meritocracy.
What is the opposite of meritocracy?
Opposites include nepotism, patronage, aristocracy, plutocracy, and hereditary privilege.
Can meritocracy refer to people?
Yes. It can also mean the group of people who have risen to power or status under a merit-based system.