a system or policy whereby people are promoted or rewarded on the basis of ability and achievement rather than because of seniority, quotas, patronage, or the like.
Origin
1895-1900
Examples from the web for merit system
The first thing that comes to mind is, on a merit system or an achievement system to be in the postseason.
There was no clear merit system to help outstanding scientists.
British Dictionary definitions for merit system
merit system
noun
1.
(US) the system of employing and promoting civil servants solely on the basis of ability rather than patronage Compare spoils system