is without merit

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "is without merit" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate that a claim, argument, or case lacks validity or justification. Example: "The court ruled that the defendant's appeal is without merit and upheld the original decision."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

LinkedIn is contesting the lawsuit, which it argues is "without merit".

Independent

Neither observation is without merit.

The New York Times - Magazine

"We believe the lawsuit is without merit".

The New York Times

The claim is without merit.

Cornell University

This argument is without merit.

Harvard University

This claim is without merit.

Harvard University

The contention is without merit.

Cornell University

Petrobras says the suit is without merit.

The New York Times

Hughes says the suit is without merit.

The New York Times

The complaint itself is without merit.

The New York Times

Lloyds says it is without merit.

The Guardian - Business

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "is without merit" to formally dismiss an argument or claim that you believe lacks a solid foundation. It's especially useful in legal or academic writing where precision is key.

Common error

While "is without merit" is grammatically correct, it can sound overly formal or pretentious in casual conversation. Opt for simpler phrases like "that's not true" or "that's wrong" in informal settings.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "is without merit" functions as a predicate adjective, describing a noun or pronoun as lacking value or justification. According to Ludwig AI, the phrase follows standard grammar rules. Examples include "The claim is without merit" and "The lawsuit is without merit."

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

54%

Academia

29%

Formal & Business

17%

Less common in

Science

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "is without merit" is a common expression used to dismiss a claim or argument as lacking value or justification. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and frequent use across various contexts. Predominantly found in news and academic sources, this phrase serves to authoritatively reject unfounded assertions. While versatile, remember that "is without merit" is most appropriate for formal contexts. Alternatives like "is baseless" or "lacks substance" can be considered for less formal settings. When precision and clarity are essential, "is without merit" remains a strong and effective choice.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

is baseless

This alternative is more direct and signifies that the claim or argument has no foundation.

is groundless

Similar to "is baseless", but emphasizes the absence of factual support.

is unsupported

This term indicates that the claim is not backed by evidence or proof.

lacks substance

This alternative uses different words to convey that something does not have importance.

has no foundation

This phrase focuses on the lack of a solid base or rationale.

is invalid

This alternative indicates the argument isn't correct because it is not logically sound or factual.

is untenable

This suggests the argument cannot be defended or maintained.

is deficient in value

This variant highlights that the subject does not have significant value.

is frivolous

Suggests the argument is not serious or has no reasonable purpose.

is insignificant

This alternative points out that the subject is not worth paying attention to because it is not important.

FAQs

How can I use "is without merit" in a sentence?

You can use "is without merit" to express that a claim, argument, or idea lacks value or justification. For example, "The judge ruled that the defendant's appeal "is without merit"."

What are some alternatives to "is without merit"?

Some alternatives include "is baseless", "is groundless", or "lacks substance". The best choice depends on the specific context and the nuance you want to convey.

When is it appropriate to use "is without merit"?

"Is without merit" is best used in formal settings, such as legal documents, academic papers, or professional communications, where a clear and authoritative dismissal of an argument is required.

What is the difference between "is without merit" and "lacks merit"?

While both phrases convey a similar meaning, "is without merit" is a more formal and direct way of stating that something does not have value. "Lacks merit" may sound slightly less assertive.