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

Other Word Forms

• meritoriously adverb
• meritoriousness noun
• unmeritorious adjective
• unmeritoriously adverb
• unmeritoriousness 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

Presidential Medals of Freedom are awarded to people who have made "exceptionally meritorious contributions to the nation's prosperity, values, or security, world peace, or other significant public or private endeavours".

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“It’s not that VA employees are less meritorious than they were under Biden,” she said.

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The firm’s services will be dedicated to helping veterans, Gold Star families, law enforcement offices and first responders — all unarguably meritorious individuals deserving of support.

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

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"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.

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Related Words

• exemplary 
• praiseworthy