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

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.
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 In 1978, Congress passed the Civil Service Reform Act, to shield the merit system with enforceable rights so that most federal workers can be fired only for a legitimate reason. Brian Witte, Chicago Tribune, 14 Feb. 2025 Congress shaped the administrative state through the Pendleton Act of 1883, creating the merit system for civil servants, and the Administrative Procedure Act of 1946, requiring participatory rulemaking in creating regulations. Thomas J. Greitens, Scientific American, 7 Jan. 2025 Colangelo hired Diamantis’ daughter for a $99,000 a year job outside the merit system. Kevin Rennie, Hartford Courant, 25 May 2024 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

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Merit system.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/merit%20system. Accessed 4 Mar. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on merit system

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!