preferment

[ pri-fur-muhnt ]

noun

1. the act of preferring.
2. the state of being preferred.
3. advancement or promotion, especially in the church.
4. a position or office affording social or pecuniary advancement.

preferment

/ prɪˈfɜːmənt /

noun

1. the act of promoting or advancing to a higher position, office, etc
2. the state of being preferred for promotion or social advancement
3. the act of preferring

Word History and Origins

Origin of preferment¹

late Middle English word dating back to 1425–75; prefer, -ment

Example Sentences

Reshuffles are always something of a nightmare for leaders as they are guaranteed deliverers of disappointment and deflated egos as well as sources of smiles and preferment.

From BBC

The Windsor framework agreement, a dead duck, brought into existence by shady promises of future preferment with grubby rewards and potential gongs to MPs.

From BBC

“Sailor Joe” Shaw, the brother of Mayor Frank Shaw, was selling the answers to police civil service exams and other preferments right out of his City Hall office.

From Los Angeles Times

Let's take a look at the three things I focused on when developing my sourdough hot cross bun recipe: Ensure fermentation activity is vigorous by increasing preferment percentage, increasing fermentation time, and reducing excessive acidity.

From Salon

Prominent Democratic politicians still think that conspicuous loyalty to their party will bring respect and future preferment.

From Washington Post

Related Words

• advance
• advancement
• change
• development
• enhancement
• gain
• growth
• increase
• progress
• recovery
• renovation
• revision
• rise
• upgrade