credentialism
noun
cre·den·tial·ism
kri-ˈden(t)-shə-ˌli-zəm 
: undue emphasis on credentials (such as college degrees) as prerequisites to employment
Examples of credentialism in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
At that point, many people will lean into credentialism.
—
WSJ, 26 Oct. 2021
But there are intermingled questions of gender, race, and credentialism that are likely at play, too.
—Ankush Khardori, The New Republic, 21 Apr. 2021
But much of it is mere credentialism, an attempt to improve a child’s position in the queue for the best universities, and hence the best jobs.
—The Economist, 5 Dec. 2019
Linda Galipeau, chief executive officer of staffing provider Randstad North America, says credentialism is a problem for lots of job prospects.
—Bloomberg.com, 16 Jan. 2018
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.
WSJ, 26 Oct. 2021
But there are intermingled questions of gender, race, and credentialism that are likely at play, too.
—Ankush Khardori, The New Republic, 21 Apr. 2021
But much of it is mere credentialism, an attempt to improve a child’s position in the queue for the best universities, and hence the best jobs.
—The Economist, 5 Dec. 2019
Linda Galipeau, chief executive officer of staffing provider Randstad North America, says credentialism is a problem for lots of job prospects.
—Bloomberg.com, 16 Jan. 2018
Cite this Entry
“Credentialism.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/credentialism. Accessed 9 Sep. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share