In business, a system in which people advance because of their abilities rather than their connections or wealth, etc.

coined 1958 by British sociologist Michael Young (1915-2002) and used in title of his book, "The Rise of the Meritocracy"; from merit (n.) + -cracy. Related: Meritocratic. [Young's book [..]

a political system whereby rewards and remuneration is granted based on achievement.

a social system which gives out rewards based on merit or success. (The two are not necessarily synonymous, as in the case of accidentally striking oil.) Meritocracies are created by relaxing regulati [..]

the idea that merit and individual effort, rather than one’s family or social background (including race, gender, class and legacy), determine one’s success, one’s social and economic position. Similarly, the idea that social inequalities are the result of individual differences in merit and effort.

(n) a form of social system in which power goes to those with superior intellects(n) the belief that rulers should be chosen for their superior abilities and not because of their wealth or birth

a belief, or a system operating on the principles, that advancement and reward should be based on a person's perceived ability and talent rather than on wealth and privilege. Criticisms of it inc [..]

A social system in which rewards are allocated on the basis of merit or ability.

where you gain the reward you deserve

A system of government based on rule by ability or merit rather than by wealth, race or other determinants of social position. Nowadays this term refers to openly competitive societies like the USA where large inequalities of income and wealth accrued by merit rather than birth is accepted. In contrast egalitarian societies like the Scandinavian co [..]

A system that awards scarce resources based on an individual’s merit.