of diminished merit

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "of diminished merit" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe something that has less value, quality, or worth than it previously had or than something else. Example: "The proposal was ultimately rejected due to its of diminished merit compared to the other submissions."

✓ Grammatically correct

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

60 human-written examples

The jury rejected his defense of diminished responsibility.

The New York Times

Ryan's roster in recent years was of diminished quality.

The New Yorker

Few jurisdictions subscribe to the doctrine of diminished responsibility.

Britannica

Bulhan admitted manslaughter on the ground of diminished responsibility.

The Times

Or is it inevitable that we're moving into a new era of diminished privacy?

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

The rule of diminished value contemplates the wall is not going to be moved.

Harvard University

A sense of diminished utility settled over me.

The New York Times

Are these fears of diminished integrity and purpose warranted?

The New York Times

He has admitted manslaughter on the grounds of diminished responsibility.

BBC

Great dislocations occurred, in the context of diminished economic growth.

Forbes

He admitted manslaughter on the grounds of diminished responsibility last year.

BBC

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "of diminished merit" when you want to convey a formal and critical assessment of something that has declined in value or quality, especially in comparison to other options or previous standards. For example, 'The proposal was ultimately rejected due to its "of diminished merit" compared to the other submissions.'

Common error

Avoid using "of diminished merit" in casual conversation or informal writing. It's a rather formal and somewhat stiff expression. Simpler alternatives, such as "less valuable" or "not as good", are often more appropriate.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "of diminished merit" functions as a postpositive adjective phrase modifying a noun. It describes the quality or characteristic of something, indicating that its value, worth, or quality has decreased. As Ludwig AI highlights, the phrase is grammatically correct.

Expression frequency: Missing

Frequent in

Science

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News & Media

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Science

0%

News & Media

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Formal & Business

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Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "of diminished merit" is a grammatically sound expression used to convey that something has decreased in value, quality, or importance. While correct, it is relatively formal and infrequent. As per Ludwig AI's analysis, it’s most suitable for professional or academic contexts requiring a critical assessment. Alternatives like "of reduced value" or "of lessened worth" may be more appropriate in less formal settings. While grammatically "correct", its usage requires careful consideration of the intended audience and context.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

of reduced value

Focuses on the decrease in monetary or material worth.

of lessened worth

Highlights the decline in inherent value or desirability.

of inferior quality

Emphasizes the lower standard or grade compared to something else.

of decreased significance

Indicates a decline in importance or relevance.

of compromised standing

Suggests that the position or reputation has been negatively affected.

of weakened validity

Implies that the soundness or correctness has been undermined.

of impaired usefulness

Highlights a reduction in practical utility or effectiveness.

of substandard nature

Focuses on the failure to meet a required or expected level of quality.

of trivial consequence

Stresses the lack of importance or impact.

of marginal benefit

Indicates that the advantage or gain is minimal.

FAQs

How can I use "of diminished merit" in a sentence?

You can use "of diminished merit" to describe something that has reduced value, quality, or importance compared to something else or its previous state. For instance, "The committee found the proposal to be of diminished merit after the revisions".

What are some alternatives to "of diminished merit"?

Alternatives include "of reduced value", "of lessened worth", or "of inferior quality", depending on the specific context.

When is it appropriate to use the phrase "of diminished merit"?

It's best used in formal or professional contexts where a critical assessment of something's value or quality is required. Avoid using it in casual conversation.

What's the difference between "of diminished merit" and "of lesser importance"?

"Of diminished merit" refers specifically to a decline in quality or value, while "of lesser importance" indicates something is not as significant or crucial. The choice depends on whether you're emphasizing quality or significance.