meritocrats

/ˌmɛrɪˈtɑkrəts/
noun
  1. People who hold power or high social status because of their abilities, achievements, or talent, rather than because of wealth, family background, or other advantages.
    • In a true meritocracy, the most capable meritocrats rise to the top regardless of their family name.
    • The company's leadership team is made up of meritocrats who earned their positions through hard work and skill.
    • Some critics argue that modern universities are creating a new class of meritocrats who feel entitled to their success.
Synonyms
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