merit system


noun
  1. a system or policy whereby people are promoted or rewarded on the basis of ability and achievement rather than because of seniority, quotas, patronage, or the like.

Origin of merit system

1
First recorded in 1895–1900

Words Nearby merit system

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2024

How to use merit system in a sentence

  • Nevertheless, the "merit system" has not met the expectations of its most enthusiastic supporters.

    The Promise Of American Life | Herbert David Croly

British Dictionary definitions for merit system

merit system

noun
  1. US the system of employing and promoting civil servants solely on the basis of ability rather than patronage: Compare spoils system

Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012