up-or-out

[ uhp-er-out ]

adjective

1. of or relating to a system or policy of employment in which one is either promoted or discharged:

   the pressures of an up-or-out promotion system.

Example Sentences

Harvard introduced the practice of prioritizing research in the criteria for up-or-out promotion and tenure in the late 1930s, under the presidency of James Conant — although faculty members at the time cautioned against his narrow emphasis on research.

From New York Times

Democrats have a four-year limit on the chair and vice chair of the caucus, creating an up-or-out system and more churn.

From Washington Post

Experts say it may be uniquely unforgiving for mothers in so-called up-or-out fields, where workers face a single high-stakes promotion decision.

From New York Times

“Will this disproportionately affect female lawyers, accountants, people in various positions in finance, management, academics, all of whom have up-or-out or winner-take-all positions?” asked Claudia Goldin, an economic historian at Harvard who studies women in the labor market.

From New York Times

The angst has been especially evident on some college campuses, which tend to be more fertile grounds for activism than other up-or-out workplaces.

From New York Times