meritës

Meritës is a term in the Albanian language used to denote merit or a person who has earned merit. As an adjective, meritës describes actions, qualities, or outcomes that are worthy of reward, recognition, or esteem. As a noun, it can denote the merits of a case or, in some contexts, a person who has earned praise for achievements in fields such as education, public service, arts, or sports. In everyday language, phrases that refer to merit or to merit-based distinction are common, signaling a focus on earned worth rather than status by birth or privilege.

The term derives from the broader concept of merit and is historically linked to Latin meritus, passing into Albanian through European languages. The form meritës can function both as an adjective and a noun, enabling discussion of the merit of actions, outcomes, or individuals without specifying grammatical gender.

In practice, meritës is used in discussions of awards, promotions, or honors that are granted on the basis of achievement and performance rather than seniority. It also appears in philosophical or cultural contexts that emphasize earned value, accountability, and the idea of meritocratic principles.

See also: Merit, Meritorious, Meritocracy.