Merit: meaning, definitions and examples

Use this when you want to talk about the inherent qualities or advantages of a person or thing.

• We should evaluate the job candidates based on their individual merits
• The merit of this approach is its simplicity

This is appropriate when referring to a very high standard of quality or performance.

• Her excellence in mathematics earned her a scholarship
• The company is committed to achieving excellence in customer service

Best used when speaking about moral goodness or righteousness.

• Honesty is a virtue that he holds in high regard
• She was praised for her virtues of patience and kindness

Useful when discussing someone or something's deserving quality or value, often in an evaluative sense.

• Her worthiness for the award was undisputed
• The worthiness of the project will be assessed by the committee

Used to describe something that deserves praise, recognition or a positive evaluation, often in moral, academic or professional contexts.

• Her artistic work has great merit.
• He earned the award based on merit.

Commonly used in academic settings to denote a measurement of a student's performance or quality of work.

• She received a high grade on her math test.
• What grade did you get in your history class?

Utilized in the context of games, tests, or sports to indicate the numerical value or points obtained.

• He got a perfect score on the exam.
• The final score of the game was 3-1.

Used to denote a score or evaluation typically given to products, services, performances or experienced activities, often provided by critics or users.

• The movie received a five-star rating.
• Their restaurant has a high customer rating.

Duplicated entry but can be included to emphasize or consolidate the different forms of usage.

• The candidate’s previous experience merits consideration for the role
• His dedication to the project merits a closer look

Used when someone should receive something (reward or punishment) because of their actions or qualities.

• He worked hard and deserves a promotion
• They deserve praise for their exceptional performance

Used in reference to receiving something (usually money, respect, or recognition) in return for one's efforts, work, or behavior.

• She earns a good salary at her job
• He earned their trust by consistently helping them

Used to justify or necessitate a certain action or situation; often implies a formal or strong justification.

• The situation doesn't warrant such a drastic reaction
• His behavior warranted immediate disciplinary action