Outcomes on realistic tests of performance, yes. I think you are thinking of "merit" as some intrinsic property of a person as opposed to measured performance.

Outcomes on realistic tests of performance, yes. I think you are thinking of "merit" as some intrinsic property of a person as opposed to measured performance. Some things are hard to measure, but many things are not. Putting people into positions based on the best estimates of how well they would perform is meritocracy. What is your system for selecting people for positions if not by how well they would perform at the positions? What this typically devolves into patrimonialism or clientelism...where positions are given to related persons, friends, or in exchange for political power.