careerism

[ kuh-reer-iz-uhm ]

noun

1. devotion to a successful career, often at the expense of one's personal life, ethics, etc.

Word History and Origins

Origin of careerism¹

First recorded in 1930–35; career + -ism

Example Sentences

Fans of FX’s “The Americans” will recognize a world where professionalism can fall prey to sexism, careerism and garden-variety klutziness.

From Washington Post

But the greatest sin of all for Francis is perhaps that of careerism, chiding those who honor people rather than God.

From The Daily Beast

When Clay held the world title aloft, Lipsyte saw in the gleam of the belt sports and '60s social upheaval and his own careerism.

From The Daily Beast