Peter Principle

noun

: an observation: in a hierarchy employees tend to rise to the level of their incompetence

Examples of Peter Principle in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
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In fact, this exact effect is part of the reason that so many Soviet-style autocrats—the kind Trump so admires— eventually fail: governments that run on political subservience get dragged down by the Peter Principle, like a sea monster sucking its victim into the icy depths. Matt Robison, Newsweek, 20 Nov. 2024 There’s a concept in business called the Peter Principle. Dieter Kurtenbach, The Mercury News, 16 Sep. 2024 Either America, the cradle of modern marketing, is suddenly full of untalented CMOs who are embodying the Peter Principle, or something bigger is indeed at play. Scott Turner, Forbes, 29 June 2022 The Peter Principle was in full effect with everything that could go wrong, going wrong. Sam Boyer, cleveland, 26 Sep. 2021 Most of you have probably heard of the Peter Principle, a management concept developed by Laurence Peter. Harvey MacKay, Star Tribune, 9 May 2021

Word History

Etymology

Laurence J. Peter †1990 American (Canadian-born) educator

First Known Use

1967, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of Peter Principle was in 1967

Dictionary Entries Near Peter Principle

Cite this Entry

“Peter Principle.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/Peter%20Principle. Accessed 21 Dec. 2024.

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