1. based on the actual quality, ability, or worth of something rather than other factors such as connections, appearance, or bias
The job should be awarded on merit, not based on personal relationships.
O trabalho deve ser concedido com base no mérito, não em relações pessoais.
2. judged or evaluated according to intrinsic qualities and performance
Each case will be considered on merit by the committee.
Cada caso será considerado com base no mérito pela comissão.