1. a system in which advancement is based on individual ability or achievement rather than on class privilege or wealth
2. leadership selected on the basis of intellectual criteria

Examples

• The company prides itself on being a meritocracy where promotions are earned through hard work.
• Critics argue that true meritocracy is impossible when educational opportunities are unequal.
• The university admissions process aims to create a meritocracy based on academic achievement.
• Some believe that meritocracy can help reduce social inequality by rewarding talent.
• The debate over meritocracy often centers on how to measure merit fairly.
• In an ideal meritocracy, your background wouldn’t matter as much as your abilities.