Careerist - English Definition & Meaning

Definition

A careerist is a person who is primarily motivated by advancing their career, often at the expense of other values or relationships. They are highly focused on promotions, status, and power within their profession. Think of them as someone who is always networking, strategizing, and trying to impress the right people. While ambition isn't inherently bad, a careerist's single-minded focus can sometimes lead to unethical behavior. It's like someone who's playing a real-life strategy game, with career advancement as the only goal. 📈

Etymology

The term "careerist" is derived from "career", which comes from the Latin 'carraria', meaning 'carriage road' or 'racecourse,' symbolizing a path or course of action. The suffix "-ist" indicates someone who adheres to or is characterized by something. Thus, a careerist is someone who is primarily characterized by their focus on career advancement.

Related Words

Examples

• "He was a ruthless careerist, willing to do anything to get ahead."
• "The novel portrays a group of ambitious careerists in the advertising industry."
• "She was accused of being a careerist because she always prioritized work over family."
• "Some people view him as a dedicated professional, others see him as a self-serving careerist."

Encouragement

Understanding what a careerist is helps you evaluate your own values and priorities. It's a reminder that success isn't just about career advancement, but also about integrity and relationships. Plus, it's a useful term for analyzing characters in political dramas and business stories! 🤔

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