1 preferment | Definition of preferment
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preferment

noun
pre·​fer·​ment | \ pri-ˈfÉ™r-mÉ™nt How to pronounce preferment (audio) \

Definition of preferment

1a : advancement or promotion in dignity, office, or station
b : a position or office of honor or profit
2 : priority or seniority in right especially to receive payment or to purchase property on equal terms with others
3 : the act of bringing forward preferment of charges
Synonyms & Antonyms More Example Sentences Learn More about preferment

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Examples of preferment in a Sentence

He has hopes for preferment. anticipated her preferment to a better-paying position within the company

Recent Examples on the Web

 MPs’ natural wish to support their prime minister, their own ambitions for preferment and the whips’ cruel ways all make for a reluctance to rock the boat. — The Economist, "Theresa May heads off a rebellion," 21 June 2018

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'preferment.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

First Known Use of preferment

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

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More Definitions for preferment

preferment

noun
How to pronounce preferment (audio)

English Language Learners Definition of preferment

formal : the act of moving someone to a higher or more important position or rank in an organization

See the full definition for preferment in the English Language Learners Dictionary

preferment

noun
pre·​fer·​ment | \ pri-ˈfÉ™r-mÉ™nt How to pronounce preferment (audio) \

Legal Definition of preferment

1 : advancement or promotion in office or station
2 : the act of preferring (as charges) without preferment of allegations

More from Merriam-Webster on preferment

Rhyming Dictionary: Words that rhyme with preferment

Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for preferment

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