seniority

[ seen-yawr-i-tee, -yor- ]

noun

, plural sen·ior·i·ties

1. the state of being senior; priority of birth; superior age.
2. priority, precedence, or status obtained as the result of a person's length of service, as in a profession, trade, company, or union:

   First choice of vacation time will be given to employees with seniority.

seniority

/ ˌsiːnɪˈɒrɪtɪ /

noun

1. the state of being senior
2. precedence in rank, etc, due to senior status

seniority

1. Length of service on a job. Seniority may be considered in making decisions about wages , layoffs , and other working conditions.

Word History and Origins

Origin of seniority¹

1400–50; late Middle English < Medieval Latin seniōritās, equivalent to Latin senior senior + -itās -ity

Example Sentences

In a society that puts so much emphasis on seniority, Mr Tsuji's surname was crucial to his ability to make major changes at Sanrio.

From BBC

He was the 20-year-old kid from the dusty fields of Etchohuaquila, Mexico, who was summoned to be the starting pitcher in the ’81 season opener when two other starters with experience and seniority came down with injuries.

From Los Angeles Times

It isn’t surprising the Gambling Commission would have wanted to speak to the former deputy prime minister, given the seniority of his position at the time within the government and the Conservative Party.

From BBC

Claiming seniority, Dumas went into Bongo’s office first.

From BBC

He was wanted by the US due to his links and seniority within Hezbollah, a group that has been proscribed a terrorist organisation by Israel, the UK, US and other countries.

From BBC

Related Words

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