What does merit mean?
Merit is a formal word for worth, excellence, or qualities that deserve recognition. As a noun, it can refer to the value of a person or thing, as in judging an application on merit, or to a particular achievement that justifies praise or reward. As a verb, merit means to deserve something, especially attention, consideration, reward, or praise. The word often carries a positive, approving tone and suggests that recognition is based on genuine ability or achievement rather than favoritism. It is especially common in academic, professional, legal, and institutional contexts, though it is understood throughout general English. In everyday use, a person may be said to have merited praise or a reward when their actions deserve acknowledgment. Merit is also useful in discussing distinction between intrinsic worth and superficial advantage, making it especially apt when describing selection based on ability, quality, or achievement.
The worth, value, excellence, or achievement of a person or thing; a quality that deserves recognition.
"She was promoted on merit after several years of exceptional work."
Common in formal and evaluative contexts, particularly in phrases such as “on merit” and “academic merit.”
To deserve or be worthy of a particular reward, treatment, or form of recognition.
"The evidence merits careful consideration."
Formal and often transitive; it is commonly used with words such as attention, consideration, praise, reward, and discussion.
The plural is used for individual qualities, achievements, or advantages that deserve recognition.
"The proposal has several merits, including its simplicity and low cost."
From the Latin word for reward, merit became a reminder that ability and achievement deserve recognition.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does merit come from?
The word comes through Old French from Latin meritum, the neuter past participle of mereri, meaning “to earn” or “to deserve.” In Latin, mereri also came to mean “to receive a reward” or “to obtain by merit.” The English noun developed in the sense of “reward deserved” before shifting toward “worth or excellence,” while the verb continued the older sense of deserving or earning.
Related word forms
How merit is actually used
As a noun, merit is often used in formal or evaluative contexts, especially when discussing achievement, character, or applications. As a verb, it is formal and commonly followed by an object such as attention, consideration, reward, or praise.
Easily confused with merit
Merit means worth or excellence, while desert means a reward that someone deserves or, in another sense, an arid region.
Merit means intrinsic worth or value, whereas a merit badge is a formal award given for achievement or service.