1. relating to or based on ascription; assigned or attributed to someone or something rather than earned or achieved
Usage: formal; often used in sociology and social science contexts
2. of or relating to status or characteristics determined by birth, family, or social position rather than individual merit or effort
Usage: sociology; social science

Examples

• In many traditional societies, social rank was ascriptive, determined by family lineage rather than personal accomplishment.
• The study examined how ascriptive factors like race and gender influence career advancement.
• Modern meritocratic systems aim to reduce ascriptive barriers to success.
• Ascriptive status is inherited at birth, whereas achieved status is earned through effort.
• The researcher argued that ascriptive characteristics should not limit educational opportunities.
• Ascriptive inequality persists when opportunities are based on who you are rather than what you can do.