merit based

USAGE SUMMARY

"merit based" is correct and usable in written English. You can use it when discussing systems or processes that reward individuals based on their abilities or achievements rather than other factors. An example: "The scholarship program is merit based, focusing on academic performance." Alternative expressions include "meritocratic" and "performance-based."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science & Research

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

4 human-written examples

They're merit based.

Science Magazine

2. Apply for more merit based scholarships.

Huffington Post

Teaching to the test and allocating merit based on test results compounds the problem.

Huffington Post

State and Federal grants are generally a combined need and merit based award.

WikiHow

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

56 human-written examples

Not all colleges offer merit-based aid.

The New York Times

Our admissions policies are merit-based.

The New York Times

Or merit-based pay for teachers?

The New Yorker

It's a largely merit-based system, where results determine compensation.

The New Yorker

Colleges almost never make adjustments to these merit-based scholarships.

The New York Times

"That's how this merit-based determination will be made".

The New York Times

chief needed to be transparent and merit-based.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing a system as "merit based", clearly define the specific merits or criteria used for evaluation to avoid ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid assuming everyone understands what constitutes "merit" in your specific context. Clearly outline the qualifications, skills, or achievements that define merit within the system you're describing.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "merit based" functions primarily as an adjective, modifying nouns to describe systems, programs, or processes where selection or reward is determined by individual abilities, achievements, or qualifications. Ludwig AI indicates that this phrase is correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Science & Research

25%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

10%

Encyclopedias

5%

Science

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "merit based" is a grammatically sound and frequently used adjective phrase, which describes systems that reward or select individuals based on their demonstrated abilities or achievements. While the phrase is widely accepted, it's important to clearly define what constitutes "merit" in each specific context to avoid ambiguity. Ludwig AI confirms the phrase is correct and usable. Alternatives include phrases such as "performance based" or "achievement based", although the best choice will depend on nuance. While generally neutral in register, it finds frequent use in news, science, and business contexts.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

performance based

Focuses specifically on achievements and results as the primary criteria.

achievement based

Highlights the accomplishments that determine eligibility or value.

skills based

Emphasizes the importance of possessing specific abilities relevant to the context.

competence based

Focuses on demonstrated proficiency and capability.

qualifications based

Refers to formal credentials and experiences that meet certain requirements.

excellence driven

Implies a strong focus on superior quality and high standards.

results oriented

Highlights a focus on concrete outcomes and measurable success.

evaluated on merit

Emphasizes the act of assessment based on inherent qualities.

worthiness assessed

Focuses on evaluating the inherent value or deservingness of something.

ability judged

Focuses on the act of assessing someone's ability and skills.

FAQs

How can I use "merit based" in a sentence?

You can use "merit based" to describe systems or processes that reward individuals based on their abilities or achievements. For example, "The scholarship program is "merit based", focusing on academic performance".

What are some alternatives to "merit based"?

Alternatives to "merit based" include "performance based", "achievement based", or "skills based", depending on the specific context.

What does it mean for a system to be "merit based"?

A "merit based" system is one where individuals are rewarded or selected based on their demonstrated abilities, qualifications, or achievements, rather than factors like seniority or personal connections.

Is a "merit based" system always fair?

While "merit based" systems aim for fairness by rewarding achievement, potential biases in the criteria used to define and measure merit can still lead to unfair outcomes. It's crucial to ensure that the criteria are objective and equitable.