'meritocracy' originates from the Latin word 'meritum,' meaning 'merit,' combined with the Greek suffix '-cracy,' meaning 'rule' or 'government.'

'meritocracy' was coined in the 20th century, combining 'merit' with the Greek-derived suffix '-cracy,' to describe a system where merit determines one's success.

Initially, it referred to a theoretical system of governance by the most talented, but it has evolved to describe any system where merit is the basis for advancement.