Definition
Tenure-Track—the academic career path leading to permanent employment, assuming you publish enough, teach adequately, and survive the political minefield of departmental dynamics. It's the golden ticket that most PhDs compete for and few obtain.
Example Usage
She finally landed a TT position after three years of adjuncting, only to discover the tenure requirements were recently increased.
Origin
Emerged with formalization of tenure systems in early 20th century American universities
Fun Fact
In the 1970s, about 67% of faculty were tenure-track; today it's less than 30%, as universities increasingly rely on contingent labor while maintaining the TT position as a carrot on a very long stick.
Source: Academic employment classification
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