merit system

noun

: a system by which appointments and promotions in the civil service are based on competence rather than political favoritism

Examples of merit system in a Sentence

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The merit system was established in 1957 to recognize artists and writers, as well as others who have contributed significantly to the arts in France. Miles Socha, Footwear News, 20 May 2026 The blueprint centers around the following themes: clarifying the merit system, creating a clearer two-track system, standardizing field sizes, restoring cuts to signature events, and a promotion-and-relegation concepts inspired in part by European football. Mike Dojc, Forbes.com, 11 Mar. 2026 In its appeal, the administration contended the states have no legal right to sue, federal law requires their claims to go before an agency that guards the federal employee merit system rather than a court, and the restructuring is lawful anyway. Zach Schonfeld, The Hill, 18 Sep. 2025 Top applicants in the merit system will be considered by a panel consisting of the city manager, deputy city manager, assistant city manager, city finance director and the police chief. Phil Diehl, San Diego Union-Tribune, 22 Feb. 2025 See All Example Sentences for merit system

Word History

First Known Use

1879, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of merit system was in 1879

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Cite this Entry

“Merit system.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/merit%20system. Accessed 28 May. 2026.

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