merit system: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C1Formal, official, academic
Quick answer
What does “merit system” mean?
A system in which appointments and promotions are based on demonstrated ability and performance rather than on political connections, wealth, or favouritism.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A system in which appointments and promotions are based on demonstrated ability and performance rather than on political connections, wealth, or favouritism.
Any system of evaluation, reward, or progression that is based on objective criteria of quality, achievement, or skill.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
The term is used identically in both varieties, though the specific implementation and history of merit systems in government differ between the UK and US.
Connotations
Positively connotes fairness, efficiency, and professionalism. In political discourse, it can be used ideologically to argue for or against certain hiring practices.
Frequency
Slightly more common in American English due to the historical significance of the 'Pendleton Act' which established the US federal civil service merit system.
Grammar
How to Use “merit system” in a Sentence
The [organisation] operates on a merit system.Appointments are made according to a merit system.They championed the introduction of a merit system.Vocabulary
Collocations
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Used in HR to describe promotion and bonus structures based on objective performance metrics.
Academic
Studied in public administration, political science, and sociology as a model of bureaucratic organisation.
Everyday
Rare in casual conversation. Might be used when discussing job hiring practices in a general way.
Technical
A specific term in personnel management and administrative law defining rules for government employment.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “merit system”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “merit system”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “merit system”
- Using 'merit system' to refer to any fair system, even outside employment (e.g., in education grading). While understood, it's primarily an administrative term.
- Incorrect pluralisation: 'merits systems' is less common; the preferred plural is 'merit systems'.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Not exactly. A 'merit system' is a specific set of rules and procedures, often within an organisation or government. 'Meritocracy' is a broader social or political concept where society as a whole is governed by people selected on merit.
Yes, private companies often implement merit systems for employee evaluation, promotion, and compensation, though the term is most historically associated with public sector civil service.
The main historical alternative is the 'spoils system' or 'patronage system', where jobs are given to political supporters, friends, or relatives.
Not necessarily. While designed for fairness, its effectiveness depends on the objectivity of the criteria used, the implementation, and the ability to mitigate biases in the assessment of 'merit'.
A system in which appointments and promotions are based on demonstrated ability and performance rather than on political connections, wealth, or favouritism.
Merit system is usually formal, official, academic in register.
Merit system: in British English it is pronounced /ˈmɛr.ɪt ˌsɪs.təm/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈmer.ɪt ˌsɪs.təm/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “Get ahead on merit”
- “Rise through the ranks on merit”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think: MERIT = MEasure of Real Individual Talent. A SYSTEM that uses this.
Conceptual Metaphor
ORGANISATION IS A MERITOCRATIC MACHINE (where merit is the fuel/input that drives advancement).
Practice
Quiz
Which historical act is most closely associated with establishing a federal merit system in the United States?