seniority
UK: siːnɪˈɒrɪti | US: siːnɪˈɔːrɪti
n. the fact of being older or of a higher rank than others
n. the length of time someone has worked in a job or for an organization
n. a privileged status granted based on age or tenure
The word "seniority" derives from Latin senior (comparative of senex, meaning "old"), combined with the noun-forming suffix -ity. Senior originally referred to someone older or of higher rank, and the suffix -ity abstracted this quality into a state or condition. Over time, "seniority" evolved to emphasize tenure-based priority in professional or social contexts, reflecting hierarchical systems where age or experience grants authority.
Promotions in this company are based on seniority rather than performance.
She has more seniority than her colleagues, having worked here for 15 years.
The union contract protects workers' seniority rights during layoffs.
His seniority in the department earned him a larger office.
Junior staff must respect the seniority of their supervisors.