Matthew effect
Etymology
Coined by sociologist Robert K. Merton in 1968, named for the Gospel of Matthew: "For unto every one that hath shall be given." Merton first observed it in how eminent scientists get disproportionate credit for their work.
noun phrase · /MATH-yoo ih-FEKT/
The tendency for those who already have advantages to accumulate more, while those with little fall further behind.
What it names
Accumulated advantage — success compounding on success, whether in wealth, fame, or citations.
Example
The Matthew effect means a famous author’s new book gets reviewed everywhere, while a better first novel goes unnoticed.
Related idea
A virtuous cycle is any self-reinforcing loop of improvement; the Matthew effect is the specific, often unfair version where existing advantage is what feeds the loop.