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 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.
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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
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
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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
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
See All Example Sentences for merit system
Cite this Entry
“Merit system.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/merit%20system. Accessed 21 May. 2026.
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