Antonyms for merit refer to qualities or attributes that are seen as lacking in value or deserving of recognition. In contrast to merit, these antonyms may include traits that are considered undesirable, unfitting, or unmeritorious.
While merit typically signifies deserving praise or reward based on one’s actions or qualities, antonyms for merit denote characteristics that do not meet the standard or criteria for recognition or reward. These antonyms can describe behaviors, attitudes, or capabilities that are not deemed praiseworthy or commendable.
Understanding antonyms for merit allows for a broader perspective on evaluating individuals or situations. By recognizing the opposite of merit, one can grasp the spectrum of qualities that may be deemed as lacking in value or merit, thus providing a more comprehensive outlook on various attributes and behaviors.
35 Antonyms for MERIT With Sentences
Here’s a complete list of opposite for merit. Practice and let us know if you have any questions regarding MERIT antonyms.
| Antonym | Sentence with Merit | Sentence with Antonym |
|---|---|---|
| Worthless | The employee was rewarded for his excellent work. | The employee was reprimanded for his worthless work. |
| Incompetent | This project was completed with great skill and proficiency. | This project was completed by an incompetent team lacking ability. |
| Unworthy | The student received a scholarship due to his outstanding grades. | The student was deemed undeserving of the scholarship. |
| Deficient | The organization has shown improvement and merit in its work. | The organization is facing challenges due to its deficient work. |
| Inferior | The product was of superior quality compared to others. | The product was labeled as inferior by customers. |
| Disgraced | The athlete returned to the field and proved his merit. | The athlete left the field disgraced after a terrible performance. |
| Faulty | The machine was designed with great care to ensure its merit. | The machine malfunctioned due to its faulty design. |
| Unjustified | The decision to promote her was based on her hard work and merit. | The decision to demote her was unjustified considering her effort. |
| Dishonor | His actions brought praise and merit to the organization. | His deeds caused dishonor to the organization. |
| Inadequate | The proposal was rejected due to being of high quality and merit. | The proposal faced rejection as it was inadequate. |
| Ineligible | The student fulfilled all the requirements and had merit for the scholarship. | The student was deemed ineligible for the grant. |
| Useless | The training session added value and merit to their skills. | The training proved to be useless as no skills were gained. |
| Harmful | The medicine was prescribed based on its proven merit. | The side effects of the drug were deemed harmful to the patients. |
| Nonessential | The employee’s dedication and merit were evident in his work. | The task given to him was considered nonessential and of little value. |
| Unsuitable | Her efforts and merit led her to the promotion she deserved. | Her behavior at work made her unsuitable for a leadership position. |
| Unrewarded | His hard work and merit at the company went unnoticed. | The company founders became wealthy, leaving their employees unrewarded. |
| Unworthy | The scholarship was granted to the student based on her academic merit. | Others believed she was unworthy of the recognition. |
| Discredit | The scientist presented her research that gained acceptance due to its merit. | False rumors started to discredit her work in the scientific community. |
| Inexcusable | The manager recognized the employee’s dedication and merit. | The manager found the behavior in the meeting inexcusable. |
| Inferiority | The company prides itself on producing goods of high quality and merit. | Competing products are known for their inferiority in the market. |
| Unjustifiable | Her promotion was well-deserved, based on hard work and merit. | The demotion seemed unjustifiable in light of her recent contributions. |
| Undesirable | The project was completed with utmost care and merit. | The result was deemed undesirable due to the lack of quality. |
| Uselessness | Her efforts at the organization were recognized for their value and merit. | The task assigned to her seemed futile, leading to its uselessness. |
| Detriment | The decision to hire him was based on his skills and merit. | His actions caused detriment to the organization’s reputation. |
| Nullify | The student’s hard work and merit earned him a spot on the honor roll. | His actions outside of school led the principal to nullify his achievements. |
| Worthlessness | His contribution was of immeasurable value and undeniable merit. | The opposition criticized his work, labeling it as worthlessness. |
| Obsolete | The veteran employee’s wisdom and merit were highly respected. | Despite his merit, the old policies were considered obsolete by management. |
| Invalidate | The claim was accepted by the committee due to its merit and evidence. | The opposing party tried to find ways to invalidate her arguments. |
| Disapproval | The employee received appreciation and a raise for his merit. | His disrespectful behavior led to the CEO’s disapproval of his conduct. |
Final Thoughts about Antonyms of MERIT
Judging individuals based on superficial qualities like nepotism, favoritism, or cronyism instead of their actual ability and qualifications can be detrimental to a fair and efficient society. Valuing individuals solely on connections or pedigree, rather than their talent or hard work, can perpetuate inequality and diminish overall productivity. Emphasizing nepotism over meritocracy can lead to a culture where success is based on who someone knows rather than on what they can do, ultimately hindering progress and innovation.
In conclusion, it is crucial to prioritize merit and ability over nepotism and favoritism in order to promote a more just and thriving society. By rewarding individuals based on their skills, knowledge, and dedication, we can create an environment where everyone has an equal opportunity to succeed and contribute to the betterment of society.
