Phrase guide

figure of merit

noun · 2 senses · updated from the 2026-07-25 local source snapshot

Definitions and examples are grouped by meaning. Pronunciation, history, word forms, translations, descendants, synonyms, antonyms, derived terms, and related words appear whenever the source provides them.

Sound

Pronunciation

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No pronunciation record was provided for this word.

1

noun

Meaning 1

a numerical value used in comparing the quality or performance of different methods, systems, or devices.

Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract

Examples

  • MPG is considered a figure of merit when comparing fuel economy of cars, but it doesn't address cost or reliability.

Meaning relationships

Synonyms: none provided

Antonyms: none provided

2

noun

Meaning 2

a numerical expression representing the efficiency of a given system, material, or procedure

Definition source: Princeton WordNet 3.0

No example sentence was provided for this meaning.

Meaning relationships

Synonyms: none provided

Antonyms: none provided

Broader terms: efficiency

History

Etymology

No etymology was provided for this word.

Across languages

Translations

5 source translations are retained for this English entry.

  • Catalan: figura de mèrit — a numerical value considered useful in comparing the quality of things
  • Finnish: hyvyysluku — a numerical value considered useful in comparing the quality of things
  • Irish: figiúr fiúntais — a numerical value considered useful in comparing the quality of things
  • Italian: figura di merito — a numerical value considered useful in comparing the quality of things
  • Spanish: figura de mérito — a numerical value considered useful in comparing the quality of things