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Definition of meritocratic

meritocratic

/ˌmɛrɪtəˈkrætɪk/
mer · i · to · crat · ic
Adverb:meritocratically
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meritocratic Lexical Profile

meritocratic Game Scores & Validity

• adjective

1

Relating to or characteristic of a social or organizational system in which advancement, status, and power are awarded to individuals on the basis of their ability, talent, and achievement rather than wealth, social class, or seniority.

Example

"The university prides itself on a strictly meritocratic admissions process that evaluates applicants solely on academic achievement."

Synonyms
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Antonyms
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• Rhymes for meritocratic

• Nearby Words

merit
meritless
meritocracy
meritocratic
meritorious
merlin
merlot

Word Origin & Etymology

Derived from the noun 'meritocracy', which was coined in 1958 by the British sociologist Michael Young in his satirical essay 'The Rise of the Meritocracy', combining the Latin 'meritum' (earned worth) with the Greek '-kratia' (rule or power).

Cite this Entry

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