Word
seniority
Phoneticsse·nior·i·ty, stress on the second syllable
US/sinˈjɔɹɪti/
UK/sˌiːnɪˈɒɹɪti/
Uncountable noun
Definition
n. the state of being older or having a higher rank than someone else. In a job, it usually means you have worked there for a long time.
n. the state of being higher in rank or status than others, typically by virtue of longer service. Often determines priority in professional contexts such as promotions or scheduling.
Examples
“The company promotes employees based on their seniority.”
“Because she had the most seniority in the department, she was allowed to choose her vacation dates first.”
“While merit-based systems are becoming more common, many traditional organizations still rely on seniority to establish the hierarchy and distribute internal responsibilities among the staff.”
Examples
simple
“The company promotes employees based on their seniority.”
contextual
“Because she had the most seniority in the department, she was allowed to choose her vacation dates first.”
complex
“While merit-based systems are becoming more common, many traditional organizations still rely on seniority to establish the hierarchy and distribute internal responsibilities among the staff.”
Usage
Uncountable in its general sense; often used with the preposition 'over' to show comparison between people.
Word family
NOUN
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.B2 FirstIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.5.5–6.5TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 4.0–4.572–94TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.785–944
- Frequency
- Occasional
- Level
- B2 · Upper Intermediate
- Updated
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