careerism: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C1/C2Formal, critical. Used in academic, journalistic, and business-critical discourse.
Quick answer
What does “careerism” mean?
The tendency to prioritize advancing one's own career above all else, often at the expense of personal ethics, colleagues, or the wider good.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
The tendency to prioritize advancing one's own career above all else, often at the expense of personal ethics, colleagues, or the wider good.
A mindset or pattern of behaviour focused on ambitious, self-serving career advancement, often involving networking, self-promotion, and strategic manoeuvring for promotions or prestige. Can also refer to the practice of viewing a job solely as a series of steps to a higher position rather than as meaningful work.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant difference in definition. Slightly more prevalent in UK political/journalistic discourse. The noun form is primary; verb 'to careerist' is rare.
Connotations
Equally negative in both varieties. In US business contexts, it may be conflated with (but is distinct from) positive 'ambition'.
Frequency
Low frequency in both, but understood by educated speakers. More common in written analysis than casual speech.
Grammar
How to Use “careerism” in a Sentence
[Subject]'s careerismcareerism of [person/group]careerism in [field/organisation]Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “careerism” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- (Rare. Use 'behaving as a careerist' or 'pursuing careerist goals')
American English
- (Rare. Use 'engage in careerism')
adverb
British English
- (Not standard. Use 'in a careerist manner'.)
American English
- (Not standard. Use 'for careerist reasons'.)
adjective
British English
- His careerist manoeuvring alienated his colleagues.
- She rejected the careerist politics of the party.
American English
- The firm's culture was seen as overly careerist.
- He was accused of making a careerist vote on the bill.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Used critically to describe a culture where personal advancement trumps teamwork or company goals.
Academic
Analysed in sociology, political science, and organisational psychology as a social phenomenon.
Everyday
Rare in casual conversation. Might be used to criticise a colleague or public figure.
Technical
Not a technical term, but used precisely in critical discourse analysis.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “careerism”
Strong
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “careerism”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “careerism”
- Using it as a positive term (incorrect). *'Her healthy careerism got her promoted.' (Use 'ambition' instead).
- Confusing 'careerist' (noun/adjective) with 'careerism' (the practice/ethos).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No. A strong work ethic is about diligence and quality in one's duties. Careerism is specifically about prioritizing personal advancement, often using the work as a means to that end.
Extremely rarely. Its standard meaning is pejorative. Using it positively would likely cause confusion or be seen as ironic.
An 'ambitious person' seeks achievement and success, which can be positive. A 'careerist' is a subtype focused narrowly on hierarchical advancement, typically with negative connotations of selfishness and lack of principle.
No, it is not a standard verb. Use phrases like 'to act as a careerist', 'to engage in careerism', or 'to pursue careerist goals'.
The tendency to prioritize advancing one's own career above all else, often at the expense of personal ethics, colleagues, or the wider good.
Careerism is usually formal, critical. used in academic, journalistic, and business-critical discourse. in register.
Careerism: in British English it is pronounced /kəˈrɪərɪz(ə)m/, and in American English it is pronounced /kəˈrɪrˌɪzəm/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “[He/She] is on the make”
- “A career climber”
- “Playing the game (pejorative)”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think: A CAREER is his only ISM (belief system).
Conceptual Metaphor
CAREER IS A RACE/CLIMB (where others are obstacles or stepping stones).
Practice
Quiz
In which context would the term 'careerism' be LEAST appropriate?