meritorious

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "meritorious" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe something that deserves praise or recognition, often in the context of achievements or actions. Example: "Her meritorious service to the community earned her a prestigious award."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

What luck, then, to find the toweringly meritorious figure of Thomas Piketty, the French economist, encapsulating the objections in his rejection of the of the Legion d'Honneur.

The Guardian - Opinion

Dismissing charges of libel, the judges said it was well known that, in RAI, "even the most meritorious individuals are favoured by their acquaintanceships in political circles".Italian commentators call RAI the "mirror of the nation": an institution so permeated by competing interests that it sometimes anticipates political shifts even before they surface.

The Economist

But it is equally idiotic to argue, as a fair few conservatives seem to, that tough-minded policies are meritorious simply because they are tough-minded.Own goalA pointed objection to George Bush's policies is not just that they crossed a moral line but that they crossed it to no purpose.

The Economist

Jailed but then freed early in 1991, on account of his former "major meritorious services", he remained for some years a controversial figure among opponents of the Communist regime.

The Economist

IN EARLY July Edinburgh belatedly erected a statue, complete with semi-invisible hand, to Adam Smith, thus granting one of the fathers of economics, and Scotland's most meritorious son, long-overdue recognition.

The Economist

The best way by far to bridge global science and local conditions is to invite national governments and civil society in each country to prepare their own plans of action, with the understanding that meritorious programmes will be funded at the international level.

The Economist

"Esther's love must be kept in view, to make the coming trial the greater and the victory the more meritorious"; "Jo?

The Economist

There are the meritorious: Pierre Matignon, a Frenchman who brought up the rear in 1969 but still won a stage by beating the legendary Eddy Merckx up the fearsome Puy de Dôme; and the only three-time lanterne, Wim Vansevenant of Belgium, a dour domestique who eventually came to see his prize as recognition of his self-sacrifice.

The Economist

It is equally sensible to restrict legal aid to meritorious cases where there is a good chance of success and to allow only qualified firms to undertake such work.The Law Society's campaign ignores the fact that millions of people, many just above the poverty threshold of entitlement to legal aid, are currently excluded from civil justice altogether.

The Economist

"It has proved meritorious", Mr Chambliss claimed, "because we have collected significant information on bad guys, but only on bad guys, over the years".Others are more concerned.

The Economist

"Those who are able to define 'merit'," he writes, "will almost invariably possess more of it, and those with greater resources cultural, economic, and social will generally be able to ensure that the educational system will deem their children more meritorious".

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "meritorious" when you want to emphasize that someone or something deserves praise or recognition for their achievements or qualities. It's suitable for formal contexts and can add a sense of gravitas to your writing.

Common error

Avoid using "meritorious" in casual or informal writing. It can sound overly formal or pretentious in everyday conversation or less serious content. Opt for simpler alternatives like "deserving" or "praiseworthy" in those cases.

Linguistic Context

The adjective "meritorious" functions to attribute a quality of deserving praise or reward to a noun. Ludwig confirms its proper use in various contexts, illustrating its role in highlighting commendable actions or characteristics. For example, describing services or individuals.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

Science

48%

News & Media

32%

Formal & Business

20%

Less common in

Wiki

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the adjective "meritorious" is used to describe something deserving praise or reward, particularly in formal settings. Ludwig AI analysis confirms its grammatical correctness and applicability, especially in academic, scientific, and news contexts. While alternatives like "deserving praise" or "worthy of commendation" exist, "meritorious" carries a more elevated tone. Therefore, it's best employed when a high degree of formality and gravitas is desired. Steer clear of its use in casual contexts to avoid sounding pretentious.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

deserving praise

Emphasizes the worthiness of commendation, focusing on the act of praising.

worthy of commendation

Highlights the worthiness of formal recognition or approval.

deserving of reward

Focuses on the entitlement to a positive outcome or prize.

laudable

Suggests high praise and admiration, often for moral excellence.

praiseworthy

Similar to deserving praise, but with a slightly stronger emphasis on moral goodness.

commendable

Indicates approval and admiration, often for actions that exceed expectations.

estimable

Suggests worthiness of respect and high regard.

creditable

Implies that something brings honor or credit to a person or thing.

admirable

Highlights qualities that inspire respect and approval.

of great merit

Highlights the presence of substantial worth or value.

FAQs

How to use "meritorious" in a sentence?

"Meritorious" is typically used to describe actions, services, or individuals that deserve praise or reward. For example, "Her meritorious service to the community earned her an award."

What can I say instead of "meritorious"?

You can use alternatives like "deserving praise", "worthy of commendation", or "praiseworthy" depending on the context.

Which is correct, "meritorious" or "meritable"?

"Meritorious" is the more commonly used and accepted term. "Meritable" is less frequent and can sound archaic or awkward to modern readers. Therefore, it is best to prefer "meritorious".

What's the difference between "meritorious" and "deserving"?

"Meritorious" implies a higher degree of worthiness and is often used in more formal settings, while "deserving" is a more general term that simply indicates someone or something is worthy of a particular outcome or treatment.