merit merit /ˈmɛrət/

noun

1. () Any admirable quality or attribute  ( virtue , merit )
   any admirable quality or attribute
    Work of great merit
   work of great merit
   
2. () The quality of being deserving (e.g., deserving assistance)  ( deservingness , meritoriousness , merit )
   the quality of being deserving (e.g., deserving assistance)
    There were many children whose deservingness he recognized and rewarded
   there were many children whose deservingness he recognized and rewarded
   

verb

1. () Be worthy or deserving  ( merit , deserve )
   be worthy or deserving
    You deserve a promotion after all the hard work you have done
   You deserve a promotion after all the hard work you have done