English Language Lab

English Language Lab

Words: Meritocracy

When Hard Work Pays Off

Rachel Boyce's avatar
Rachel Boyce
Sep 09, 2025
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Imagine a society where your success isn't determined by your family's wealth, who you know, or where you come from.

Instead, it's based entirely on your skills, talent, and hard work.

How would you describe that kind of system?

It's the idea that the best and most capable people rise to the top, isn't it?

Think of it this way: Meritocracy is a system or a society where people are selected and advanced based on their ability, competence, and effort, rather than their social class, connections, or family background.

The word comes from combining "merit," meaning a worthy or deserving quality, and "-cracy," from the Greek word for power or rule.


Other words and ideas that fit this theme:

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