of doubtful merit

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "of doubtful merit" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe something that is questionable in value or worthiness, often in a critical context. Example: "The proposal was met with skepticism, as it was deemed to be of doubtful merit by the committee."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

The decisions in this area, Justice Stevens wrote, "have been few and, in my view, of doubtful merit".

The New York Times

This "duty to contribute" biases negotiations toward settlements that overcompensate plaintiffs, thereby encouraging lawsuits of doubtful merit.

Duke University

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

Of more doubtful merit, however, is your claim that the Canadian response to the crisis has been "tepid".

The Economist

Despite some criticism that his presence on the mission was a political payoff, a waste of money and of doubtful scientific merit, the hero of yesteryear brought out the crowds again, cheering out of nostalgia and enduring respect as he was launched aboard the space shuttle Discovery on Oct. 29, 1998.

The New York Times

"The less the FISA court comes to trust the validity of the applications, the more inclined the judges will be to impose on all applications the kind of scrutiny that doubtful applications merit, which of course takes more time and causes more delay because the court's resources are limited," he said.

The New York Times

735, may make these cases of doubtful authority.

Cornell University

These larger units are of doubtful validity and restricted utility.

Encyclopedia Britannica

A sap, I thought, of doubtful moral fibre.

The Guardian - Books

(Recall the role of doubtful irrelevant proposita in a positio).

SEP

Biologist Nicole Duplaix calls the division of "doubtful value".

Wikipedia

13 Indeed less than a decade ago this Court did not consider the question sufficiently doubtful to merit discussion.

Cornell University

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "of doubtful merit" when you want to express skepticism or reservation about the value or quality of something, particularly in formal writing or discussions.

Common error

Avoid using "of doubtful merit" in very informal settings. It is a somewhat formal expression, and more casual alternatives might be more appropriate for everyday conversation.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "of doubtful merit" functions as an adjectival phrase that modifies a noun, expressing a negative assessment regarding the noun's value or worth. It indicates that something's merit is questionable or uncertain, as shown in Ludwig's examples.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Academia

30%

Science

15%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Wiki

5%

Formal & Business

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "of doubtful merit" serves as a way to express skepticism about the value or worth of something. Ludwig AI analysis confirms that it is grammatically correct and most appropriate for formal contexts, such as news reporting and academic discussions. While its frequency is uncommon, the phrase effectively conveys uncertainty and reservation, suggesting that further scrutiny or consideration may be warranted. When a less formal tone is needed, it can be easily replaced with alternatives like "of questionable value" or "of uncertain worth".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

of questionable value

Replaces "merit" with the more direct term "value", implying a concern about the worth of something.

of uncertain worth

Emphasizes the ambiguity surrounding the value or usefulness of something.

of dubious quality

Focuses on the quality of something being questionable, implying it may not meet expected standards.

of debatable advantage

Highlights the uncertainty regarding the benefits or advantages that something may offer.

of suspect validity

Questions the accuracy or legitimacy of something, suggesting it may not be reliable.

of flimsy substance

Suggests a lack of depth or importance, implying something is not well-supported or substantial.

of marginal utility

Indicates that something has limited usefulness or practical application.

of little consequence

Downplays the importance or significance of something, suggesting it is not worth serious consideration.

not particularly promising

Expresses a lack of optimism or expectation regarding the potential success or value of something.

hardly commendable

Suggests that something is not deserving of praise or approval, implying it may be flawed or inadequate.

FAQs

What does "of doubtful merit" mean?

The phrase "of doubtful merit" means that something is questionable in value or worthiness. It implies that there are reasons to doubt its usefulness or importance.

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

You can use it to express skepticism about an idea, plan, or object. For example, "The committee considered the proposal to be "of questionable value"".

What are some alternatives to "of doubtful merit"?

Alternatives include "of questionable value", "of uncertain worth", or "of dubious quality". The best choice depends on the specific context and nuance you want to convey.

Is "of doubtful merit" a formal or informal expression?

It is generally considered a formal expression, suitable for academic, professional, or news-related contexts. In informal settings, simpler alternatives might be more appropriate.