merit

(noun) any admirable quality or attribute. Synonyms: virtue. Example: "Work of great merit."

(noun) the quality of being deserving (e.g., deserving assistance). Synonyms: deservingness, meritoriousness. Example: "There were many children whose deservingness he recognized and rewarded."

(verb) be worthy or deserving. Synonyms: deserve. Example: "You deserve a promotion after all the hard work you have done."