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merits

n.
US //ˈmɛɹəts// UK //mˈɛɹɪts// mer·its
  1. 1 good qualities (n.)
    B2 Upper Intermediate

    the good points or advantages that someone or something has.

    the qualities or characteristics of something that deserve praise or approval.

    Example

    The committee will judge each application on its own merits rather than looking at the names.

    Example

    The board decided to evaluate the proposal strictly on its merits, ignoring the political pressure from the local council.
  2. 2 legal substance (n.)
    C1 Advanced Formal Technical Law

    the actual facts and evidence of a legal case, rather than the rules of the court.

    the substantive facts and legal principles of a case, as distinguished from procedural or technical issues.

    Example

    The judge dismissed the case on a technicality before even looking at the merits.

    Example

    The appellate court refused to hear the case, ruling that the lower court had already correctly decided the matter on the merits.

    Usage

    Often used in the phrase 'on the merits'.
Related words

Last updated June 20, 2026