Peter Principle
noun
: an observation: in a hierarchy employees tend to rise to the level of their incompetence
Examples of Peter Principle in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
The Peter Principle shows up when a company overpromotes a person to a level of incompetence.
—
Don Weber,
Forbes.com,
6 Apr. 2026
Check the Peter Principle, which says people are promoted to their level of incompetence.
—
NPR,
11 Mar. 2026
And now, these two reputational Ponzi schemes have crashed into the Peter Principle.
—
Thomas G. Moukawsher,
MSNBC Newsweek,
14 Apr. 2025
Of course, some may be promoted beyond their level of competence, illustrating the Peter Principle.
—
Vibhas Ratanjee,
Forbes,
15 Jan. 2025
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Don Weber,
Forbes.com,
6 Apr. 2026
Check the Peter Principle, which says people are promoted to their level of incompetence.
—
NPR,
11 Mar. 2026
And now, these two reputational Ponzi schemes have crashed into the Peter Principle.
—
Thomas G. Moukawsher,
MSNBC Newsweek,
14 Apr. 2025
Of course, some may be promoted beyond their level of competence, illustrating the Peter Principle.
—
Vibhas Ratanjee,
Forbes,
15 Jan. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Peter Principle.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/Peter%20Principle. Accessed 5 Jul. 2026.
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