by meritocracy

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "by meritocracy" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a system or process where individuals are rewarded based on their abilities and achievements rather than other factors such as social class or connections. Example: "The organization promotes advancement by meritocracy, ensuring that the most qualified individuals rise to leadership positions."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

4 human-written examples

In America the housing subsidy to the richest fifth (through mortgage-interest relief) is four times the amount spent on public housing for the poorest fifth.Even the sort of inequality produced by meritocracy can hurt growth.

The Economist

But they say they have found a more egalitarian and racially harmonious society, one in which prejudice is trumped by meritocracy, discipline and the need to get along to survive.

The New York Times

That might, in fact, be what governments mean by meritocracy.

Vice

The fundamental challenge that has limited the spread of these ideas to most companies is the threat posed by meritocracy.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

56 human-written examples

Changes are inferred by comment, targeted with @mentions, and triaged by a meritocracy of ideas, political sophistication, and deadlines.

TechCrunch

Moreover, despite the oligarchic structure of a foundation that requires a significant capital investment to earn the Platinum or Gold designation, development activities will be structured by "an open development process that is driven by technical meritocracy".

Huffington Post

That world has been displaced by a meritocracy, which brings its own discontents.

The New York Times

Yet, we know that many of America's best engineers are never even given the chance to work in our industry, left behind by the meritocracy.

TechCrunch

If the economy really was a pull-yourself-up-by-the-bootstraps meritocracy – rather than one where women don't even get boots – then the "boy crisis" handwringers might have a point.

The Guardian - Opinion

We did this by believing in the infallibility of free enterprise, by pretending America is a meritocracy, and by ignoring the pernicious effects of unrelenting racism.

HuffPost

We don't have to sit by and watch our meritocracy be replaced by a permanent aristocracy, and our democracy be undermined by dynastic wealth.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "by meritocracy", ensure the context clearly establishes that advancements or rewards are based on skills and achievements, not on factors like social standing or personal connections.

Common error

Avoid implying that a system "by meritocracy" is inherently unbiased. Acknowledge that biases can still exist in how merit is assessed and rewarded.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "by meritocracy" functions primarily as a prepositional phrase, modifying a verb or noun to indicate the means, method, or standard by which something is achieved or governed. Ludwig's examples show its use in describing systems where advancement is purportedly based on skill and achievement.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Academia

25%

Formal & Business

25%

Less common in

Science

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "by meritocracy" is used to describe a system where individuals are rewarded based on their abilities and achievements. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is grammatically correct and usable, though relatively uncommon. While the phrase suggests fairness and objectivity, it's important to recognize that real-world systems described as being governed "by meritocracy" may still be subject to bias. Alternatives such as "through meritocracy" or "based on merit" can be used to add subtle variations in meaning. Using this expression carefully will avoid the suggestion that a process "by meritocracy" is inherently unbiased.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

through meritocracy

Replaces the preposition "by" with "through", emphasizing the means by which meritocracy is implemented.

via meritocracy

Substitutes "by" with "via", suggesting a route or channel through which meritocracy operates.

based on meritocracy

Uses "based on" to highlight that meritocracy is the foundation or criterion for decisions.

according to meritocracy

Indicates that meritocracy is the standard or principle guiding actions.

under a meritocratic system

Shifts the focus to the system itself, specifying that it is merit-based.

within a meritocracy

Emphasizes being inside or part of a meritocratic environment.

in a meritocratic manner

Focuses on the way or style in which something is done, highlighting the merit-based approach.

following meritocratic principles

Highlights adherence to the guidelines and rules of meritocracy.

driven by merit

Focuses on merit as the driving force or motivation behind actions.

guided by meritocracy

Suggests that meritocracy serves as a compass or guide for decision-making.

FAQs

How can I use "by meritocracy" in a sentence?

You can use "by meritocracy" to indicate that a process or system is governed by merit, such as "The company promotes employees "based on merit" and performance."

What are some alternatives to saying "by meritocracy"?

Alternatives include phrases like "through meritocracy", "via meritocracy", or ""based on merit"" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it always accurate to describe a system as being governed "by meritocracy"?

While "by meritocracy" suggests a system where success is based on ability, it's important to acknowledge that real-world systems may also be influenced by other factors such as privilege or bias. Therefore, use the phrase judiciously and consider qualifiers if necessary.

How does the concept of "by meritocracy" relate to discussions of social mobility?

The concept of "by meritocracy" is often invoked in discussions of social mobility, as it implies that individuals can rise in society based on their talents and efforts, rather than being limited by their background. However, critics argue that true social mobility is often hindered by inequalities of opportunity.