Meritocracy
WordNet
noun
(1) The belief that rulers should be chosen for their superior abilities and not because of their wealth or birth
(2) A form of social system in which power goes to those with superior intellects
WiktionaryText
Etymology
, from + , from .
Coined in 1958 by Michael Young, in his book Rise of the Meritocracy.
Noun
- Rule by merit, and talent. By extension, now often used to describe a type of society where wealth, income, and social status are assigned through competition.
Usage notes
Though widely used as a term of praise, the term was original coined as a satire, and a critique of awarding educational achievement.