First Known Use: 1958
Dictionary
meritocracy
noun mer·i·toc·ra·cy \ˌmer-ə-ˈtä-krə-sē\
plural mer·i·toc·ra·cies
Definition of MERITOCRACY
1
: a system in which the talented are chosen and moved ahead on the basis of their achievement
2
: leadership selected on the basis of intellectual criteria
— mer·it·o·crat·ic \ˌmer-ə-tə-ˈkra-tik\ adjective
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Origin of MERITOCRACY
1merit + -o- + -cracy
Other Government and Politics Terms
Rhymes with MERITOCRACY
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