# seniority

/sinˈjɔɹɪti/ (US) · /sˌiːnɪˈɒɹɪti/ (UK) · CEFR B2 · Noun

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/seniority
Updated: 2026-05-08

## Definition

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.

For teachers: 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.

## Usage notes

- Uncountable in its general sense; often used with the preposition 'over' to show comparison between people.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.