Meritocracy

Meaning

A system in which advancement, status, or reward is based on individual ability, effort, and achievement rather than on birth, wealth, or social class

Origin / Etymology

Latin meritum (merit) + Greek kratos (rule); coined by Michael Young in 1958 in satirical context

Synonyms

Ability-based system Performance-based hierarchy

Antonyms

Aristocracy Nepotism Patronage system Plutocracy

Example Sentence

"The civil services examination is upheld as a cornerstone of democratic meritocracy, but critics argue that social capital and coaching access effectively reproduce socioeconomic hierarchies."

🎯 UPSC Usage

GS4 (ethics) and GS2 (governance). UPSC essay on 'meritocracy vs equality of opportunity' is a classic topic. Key insight: meritocracy assumes a level playing field, but when starting points are unequal, meritocracy can legitimise inherited advantage. Reservation policy is a response to the failure of formal meritocracy for historically disadvantaged groups.

Relevant Subjects