without merit

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "without merit" is correct and usable in written English.
It is used to describe something that is not worth considering, and is often used as a justification for dismissing a claim or opinion. For example, "His argument was dismissed without merit because it was based on outdated research."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

The allegations are without merit".

The New York Times

But not without merit, either.

The New York Times

The criticism wasn't without merit.

The New York Times - Sports

These claims are entirely without merit".

Independent

Their claim is completely without merit".

The New York Times

(Stanford says the claims are without merit).

The New York Times - Magazine

And this is not without merit.

The New York Times

Citigroup said the lawsuit was without merit.

The New York Times

THE book is not without merit.

The New York Times

Nor are such accusations without merit.

The Economist

But the complaints aren't totally without merit.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using the phrase, provide a concise explanation of why the argument lacks merit. This strengthens your position and avoids appearing dismissive without justification.

Common error

Avoid using "without merit" in casual conversations. Its formal tone can sound pretentious or overly aggressive in everyday settings. Opt for simpler phrases like "not valid" or "untrue" instead.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "without merit" functions as an adjective phrase, typically modifying a noun or pronoun. It's used to express a judgment about the quality or validity of something. Ludwig AI confirms the phrase is grammatically correct and usable in written English, as evidenced by examples from a variety of sources.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

78%

Formal & Business

15%

Science

7%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "without merit" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression to indicate that something lacks value or justification. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is deemed suitable for written English. It is used across many sources and is deemed acceptable in various settings, primarily within news and media as well as formal business contexts. While "without merit" conveys a strong sense of dismissal, remember to use it judiciously, particularly in informal settings, where a less assertive phrasing might be more appropriate. Also, consider alternatives like "groundless", "baseless", or "unfounded" depending on the context.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

groundless

This alternative refers to a lack of factual basis, focusing on the absence of evidence.

baseless

Similar to "groundless", but it emphasizes the absence of a foundation or support.

unfounded

This suggests a lack of foundation in fact or reason.

devoid of substance

This alternative emphasizes the lack of meaningful content or importance.

lacking validity

This phrase focuses on the absence of legal or logical soundness.

unjustified

This implies that there's no acceptable reason or excuse for something.

unsustainable

This alternative implies that something cannot be continued or maintained, due to the lack of merit.

irrelevant

Focuses on the lack of connection or importance to the matter at hand.

insignificant

Emphasizes the lack of importance or consequence.

inconsequential

Similar to "insignificant", suggesting a lack of impact or relevance.

FAQs

How to use "without merit" in a sentence?

Use "without merit" to indicate that a claim, argument, or idea is not worth considering because it lacks substance or factual basis. For example: "The lawsuit was dismissed as "without merit"."

What can I say instead of "without merit"?

You can use alternatives like "groundless", "baseless", or "unfounded" depending on the context.

Which is correct, "without merit" or "without merits"?

"Without merit" is correct. "Merit" is typically used as a non-count noun in this context, referring to the quality of being good or deserving. "Without merits" is grammatically incorrect.

What's the difference between "without merit" and "unsubstantiated"?

"Without merit" suggests a complete lack of value or worth, while "unsubstantiated" means that something has not been proven or supported with evidence. Something that is "unsubstantiated" might still have potential value, while something "without merit" is inherently flawed.