careerism

noun

ca·​reer·​ism kə-ˈrir-ˌi-zəm How to pronounce careerism (audio)
: the policy or practice of advancing one's career often at the cost of one's integrity
careerist noun or adjective

Examples of careerism in a Sentence

She was appalled by his careerism.
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Congress is a hive of low-character performance, full of individuals who have supplanted their responsibilities to the Constitution and the public interest with flagrant careerism. Business Columnist, Los Angeles Times, 19 Feb. 2026 And part of that individualism is careerism. Joshua Rhett Miller, MSNBC Newsweek, 30 Sep. 2025 Does careerism require the soul in exchange for success? James Parker, The Atlantic, 27 May 2025 That said, his investment in helping the Cold Harbor plan go smoothly could still come from his careerism and personal aspirations, rather than genuine allegiance to Lumon and the Eagans. Ethan Shanfeld, Variety, 21 Mar. 2025 See All Example Sentences for careerism

Word History

First Known Use

1933, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of careerism was in 1933

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Cite this Entry

“Careerism.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/careerism. Accessed 23 Feb. 2026.

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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