Phrase guide

sheepskin effect

noun · 1 senses · updated from the 2026-07-25 local source snapshot

Definitions and examples are grouped by meaning. Pronunciation, history, word forms, translations, descendants, synonyms, antonyms, derived terms, and related words appear whenever the source provides them.

Sound

Pronunciation

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1

noun

Meaning 1

The theory that people who have completed an academic degree earn more income, not because of the knowledge they gained during their education, but rather because their degree indicates the possession of mental abilities and personality traits that employers are seeking.

Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract

Examples

  • The sheepskin effect represents a proxy measure, or the quest for a proxy measure, to detect such things as self-discipline, learning ability, aptitude for passing tests, ability to collaborate in peer groups, and so on, as well as, perhaps, willingness to conform.

Meaning relationships

Synonyms: none provided

Antonyms: none provided

History

Etymology

Academic degrees were traditionally presented on sheepskin parchment.