WordGarden.ioseniority
A2Pronunciation
UK
- /sˌiːnɪˈɒrɪti/
US
- /sinˈjɔrɪti/
Meanings
Noun
higher rank or priority because someone has been in a role or group longer
the state of being older or having precedence because of age
Beyond the definition
Seniority is not about being the best at something; it is about having been there longer or holding a higher place because of age, service, or position. Think of a family: the oldest sibling may get first pick, not because they are better, but because they came first. That is how it works.
At work, seniority often helps decide things like vacation time, shift choice, layoffs, and sometimes promotions. A teacher with twenty years at a school has more seniority than a new hire fresh out of college. It is a system that rewards long service and experience. Still, people sometimes argue about it: should someone always get first choice just because they have been around longer?
Seniority refers to the rank, status, or priority a person has because of length of service, age, or place within a group or organization. It gives weight to time spent in a role or community. It is not always the same as skill or performance, but it often affects who gets certain rights, duties, or chances.
Today, the word is used most often in workplaces, unions, government systems, and other organized groups. In a union workplace, for example, seniority may help decide who chooses shifts first, who gets vacation dates, or who is laid off first during cuts. The common rule "last hired, first fired" is based on seniority.
The idea can also be broader than work. Someone may have seniority in a family, a club, or a local community because they are older or have held their place for a long time. That kind of standing can bring respect or influence, even if no official title is involved.
At the same time, seniority is not always treated as the only thing that matters. Many modern organizations try to balance it with merit, performance, and ability. A talented newcomer may earn chances quickly even without many years of service. So the word usually suggests recognized standing based on time or position, especially when that standing brings priority over others.
Examples
- 1
Workplace benefits
At this company, vacation time increases with seniority.
- 2
Shift choice
She has enough seniority to choose her shifts first.
- 3
Union contract
The union contract says promotions should be based on seniority, not favoritism.
- Patternbased on + factor
decided by that factor
- 4
Layoffs
During the layoffs, workers with less seniority lost their jobs first.
More examplesFewer examples
- 5
Job transfer
He lost his seniority when he transferred to another branch.
See also
Forms and spellings
2 forms open this card.
Main spelling
- senioritynoun
Forms
- senioritiespluralnoun