meritocracy, meritocratic 1. Government by people who are selected on the basis of merit in a competitive educational system. 2. A government made up of an influential class of educated people. 3. An elite group of people whose progress is based on ability and talent rather than on class privilege or wealth. 4. A system in which advancement is b... Found on http://www.wordinfo.info/words/index/info/view_unit/3580/