Definition of MERITOCRACY

meritocracy

Meanings

Plural: meritocracies

Noun

  • a form of social system in which power goes to those with superior intellects
  • the belief that rulers should be chosen for their superior abilities and not because of their wealth or birth
  • Rule by merit and talent.
  • A type of society where wealth, income, and social status are assigned through competition.

Origin / Etymology

From merit + -o- + -cracy, coined by British sociologist Alan Fox in 1956 in an article in Socialist Commentary from May 1956, used as a derisive term, and popularized by British sociologist Michael Young, Baron Young of Dartington in his 1958 book The Rise of the Meritocracy.

Scrabble Score: 20

meritocracy is a valid Scrabble (US) TWL word
meritocracy is a valid Scrabble Word in Merriam-Webster MW Dictionary
meritocracy is a valid Scrabble Word in International Collins CSW Dictionary

Words With Friends Score: 22

meritocracy is a valid Words With Friends word