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Definition of careerist

careerist

/kəˈrɪr.ɪst/
ca · reer · ist
Plural:careerists
•
Adjective:careerist
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careerist Lexical Profile

careerist Game Scores & Validity

• noun

1

A person who is chiefly concerned with professional advancement and personal success, often at the expense of principles or other people.

Example

"Critics dismissed the newly appointed director as a calculating careerist who cared little about the agency's public mission."

Synonyms
View all synonyms for careerist
Antonyms
View all antonyms for careerist

• adjective

1

Characterized by an excessive or opportunistic focus on advancing one's own professional status and ambitions.

Example

"Several senior researchers resigned in protest against the increasingly careerist culture of the department."

Synonyms
View all synonyms for careerist
Antonyms
View all antonyms for careerist

Word Nuance & Usage

"Careerist" is almost always used disapprovingly to criticize someone who prioritizes personal promotion and status over integrity, teamwork, or the actual value of their work.

• Rhymes for careerist

• Nearby Words

careen
career
careerism
careerist
carefree
carefreeness
careful

Cite this Entry

Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Careerist. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Nov 5, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/careerist
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