meritocracy

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mer·i·toc·ra·cy / ˌmeriˈtäkrəsē/ • n. (pl. -cies) government or the holding of power by people selected on the basis of their ability. ∎  a society governed by such people or in which such people hold power. ∎  a ruling or influential class of educated or skilled people.DERIVATIVES: mer·i·to·crat·ic / ˌmeritəˈkratik/ adj.

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