邀功 literally means 'to invite merit'—'邀' (yāo) means 'to invite' or 'to solicit', and '功' (gōng) means 'merit', 'achievement', or 'credit'. Together, the term describes the act of actively seeking recognition or praise for work—often exaggerating one’s role or taking credit that isn’t fully deserved. It carries a subtle negative connotation, implying self-promotion at the expense of accuracy or fairness, and is commonly used in workplace, political, or team-based contexts where attribution matters.

The word functions as a verb and typically appears with subjects who are trying to impress superiors or gain favor—e.g., by highlighting their contribution while downplaying others’. It’s not neutral: calling someone 邀功 suggests criticism of their motives. Unlike neutral terms like 'reporting achievements', 邀功 implies intentionality and often insincerity or opportunism.