meritorious

[ mer-i-tawr-ee-uhs, -tohr- ]

adjective

1. deserving praise, reward, esteem, etc.; praiseworthy:

   to receive a gift for meritorious service.

meritorious

/ ˌmɛrɪˈtɔːrɪəs /

adjective

1. praiseworthy; showing merit

Derived Forms

• ˌmeriˈtoriousness, noun
• ˌmeriˈtoriously, adverb

Other Words From

• meri·tori·ous·ly adverb
• meri·tori·ous·ness noun
• unmer·i·tori·ous adjective
• unmer·i·tori·ous·ly adverb
• unmer·i·tori·ous·ness noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of meritorious¹

First recorded in 1375–1425; late Middle English, from Latin meritōrius “earning money, for hire, on hire,” from meritus, past participle of merēre, merērī “to receive one's share, be entitled to, deserve, merit.” See merit, -ory ¹, -ous

Word History and Origins

Origin of meritorious¹

C15: from Latin meritōrius earning money

Example Sentences

“It all comes down to whether Combs has a meritorious defense,” said Olivarius.

From Los Angeles Times

Betzold received several awards during his tenure, including the Marine Corps Good Conduct Medal and the Navy Meritorious Unit Commendation.

From Los Angeles Times

"It's beautiful to know the same peptide can achieve so many meritorious health effects, that in combination have the potential to help both human and animal patients," said Unniappan.

From Science Daily

The medal is the nation’s highest civilian award, first established in its current form by President John F. Kennedy and meant to honor “any person who has made an especially meritorious contribution” to national security, world peace or “cultural or other significant public or private endeavors,” as the original executive order put it.

From New York Times

Besides, it is never anti-democratic or wrong to seek constitutional clarity where there is a meritorious question of law at issue—however it ultimately is resolved.

From Slate

Related Words

• exemplary
• praiseworthy