Used and loved by millions
Since I tried Ludwig back in 2017, I have been constantly using it in both editing and translation. Ever since, I suggest it to my translators at ProSciEditing.

Justyna Jupowicz-Kozak
CEO of Professional Science Editing for Scientists @ prosciediting.com
meritorious effort
Grammar usage guide and real-world examplesUSAGE SUMMARY
The phrase "meritorious effort" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to acknowledge or commend someone's commendable or praiseworthy effort in a particular task or endeavor. Example: "The committee recognized her meritorious effort in organizing the charity event, which raised significant funds for the cause."
✓ Grammatically correct
Science
News & Media
Wiki
Table of contents
Usage summary
Human-verified examples
Expert writing tips
Linguistic context
Ludwig's wrap-up
Alternative expressions
FAQs
Human-verified examples from authoritative sources
Exact Expressions
3 human-written examples
Yet, while high-level sports is touted as embodying the positive values of health, meritorious effort, harmonious development of body and mind, this downplays the very real health risks of elite sports as well as accepted levels of foul play with considerable health damage in certain sports such as soccer or ice-hockey.
Science
Given the difficulties in applying expression array analysis to identify the molecular subgroups in clinical practice (in particular, when formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded samples are used), the identification of simple IHC panels that reliably identify these subgroups, as described by Kreike and colleagues [ 1], is undeniably a meritorious effort.
Science
One should support the free flows of capital and payment for meritorious effort(s).
Wiki
Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources
Similar Expressions
55 human-written examples
In a society that finds effort meritorious, time spent on a long line waiting to buy a limited edition gift adds to its intrinsic value.
News & Media
Medal for Merit, U.S. civilian decoration established in 1942 by President Franklin D. Roosevelt to award civilians of the United States and its allies for exceptionally meritorious service or courageous acts in the furtherance of the war effort.
Encyclopedias
But Malebranche holds that this movement is neither free nor meritorious.
Science
"Based on what analysis and interpretation did his eminence, Mr Rouhani, and the meritorious entourage feel it necessary to trust the Americans and then present the United States' trust-building efforts in such expansive and loud propaganda as one of the fruits of the New York trip?
News & Media
"I believe he must have meant meritorious.
News & Media
/ The city applauded the meritorious mayor.
News & Media
Routh finished basic training with meritorious distinction.
News & Media
Her career progression was fast but it was also meritorious".
News & Media
Expert writing Tips
Best practice
Consider replacing "meritorious" with synonyms like "commendable", "praiseworthy", or "worthy" to provide variety in your writing and avoid repetition.
Common error
A common mistake is confusing "meritorious" with "meretricious". Remember that "meritorious" means deserving praise or reward, while "meretricious" means superficially attractive but having no real value. Ensure you use the correct word to accurately convey your intended meaning.
Source & Trust
87%
Authority and reliability
4.3/5
Expert rating
Real-world application tested
Linguistic Context
The phrase "meritorious effort" functions as a noun phrase, where "meritorious" is an adjective modifying the noun "effort". It typically serves to characterize and emphasize the commendable nature of a particular endeavor. As pointed out by Ludwig, this emphasizes a favorable quality about an action or attempt.
Frequent in
Science
33%
News & Media
33%
Wiki
33%
Less common in
Formal & Business
0%
Encyclopedias
0%
Reference
0%
Ludwig's WRAP-UP
In summary, "meritorious effort" is a phrase used to describe an action or undertaking deserving praise and recognition. While considered grammatically correct, as confirmed by Ludwig, it is relatively rare in everyday language. Its usage is most common in scientific, news-related, and wiki contexts, indicating a formal and sometimes technical application. To enhance clarity and prevent confusion, avoid mixing it up with the term "meretricious". Alternatives such as "commendable endeavor" or "praiseworthy attempt" can provide variety while maintaining a similar meaning.
More alternative expressions(10)
Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:
commendable endeavor
Replaces "effort" with "endeavor", suggesting a more determined or sustained attempt, and "meritorious" with "commendable", offering a slightly more common alternative.
praiseworthy attempt
Substitutes "effort" with "attempt", implying a trial or experiment, and "meritorious" with "praiseworthy", giving it a slightly more accessible tone.
deserving undertaking
Replaces "effort" with "undertaking", suggesting a more significant or complex task, and "meritorious" with "deserving", which focuses on the worthiness of the activity.
admirable feat
Changes "effort" to "feat", indicating an accomplishment that requires skill, and "meritorious" to "admirable", emphasizing the quality of inspiring approval.
worthy undertaking
Substitutes "meritorious" with "worthy" and "effort" with "undertaking", conveying that the task is valuable and important.
valuable contribution
Transforms the phrase to focus on the outcome or impact, highlighting the benefit provided by the effort, and departs slightly from the initial meaning.
estimable action
Replaces "effort" with "action", which is more general, and "meritorious" with "estimable", denoting a high degree of respect.
laudable exertion
Substitutes "effort" with "exertion", which emphasizes the energy expended, and "meritorious" with "laudable", implying it warrants praise and commendation.
creditable performance
Changes "effort" to "performance", focusing on the execution, and "meritorious" to "creditable", suggesting it is deserving of acknowledgement.
exemplary activity
Replaces "effort" with "activity", which is broader, and "meritorious" with "exemplary", meaning it serves as a model or example.
FAQs
How can I use "meritorious effort" in a sentence?
You can use "meritorious effort" to describe an action or undertaking that deserves recognition or praise. For instance, "The success of the project was due to the team's "meritorious effort"."
What are some alternatives to the phrase "meritorious effort"?
Alternatives include phrases like "commendable endeavor", "praiseworthy attempt", or "worthy undertaking". The best choice depends on the specific context and nuance you wish to convey.
Is "meritorious effort" a formal or informal expression?
"Meritorious effort" is generally considered a formal expression. While understandable in most contexts, it's more suited for professional, academic, or official communications than casual conversations.
What distinguishes "meritorious effort" from simply saying "good effort"?
"Meritorious effort" implies that the effort is not only good but also deserving of specific recognition or reward. It suggests that the effort went above and beyond what was expected or required, whereas "good effort" is a more general expression of approval.
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Table of contents
Usage summary
Human-verified examples
Expert writing tips
Linguistic context
Ludwig's wrap-up
Alternative expressions
FAQs
Source & Trust
87%
Authority and reliability
4.3/5
Expert rating
Real-world application tested