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

"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 arguments are no more meritorious than the ones the court of appeals in DC already rejected,” tweeted former U.S.

From Salon

“The world is watching. This Court yet again permits Alabama to ‘experiment … with a human life,’ while depriving Smith of ‘meaningful discovery’ on meritorious constitutional claims.”

From Salon

He has been recognized by the department dozens of times for what it deems excellent and meritorious police service, according to a police personnel database.

From Seattle Times

Related Words

• exemplary
• praiseworthy