Crossword Genius

Deserve one term? Doubtful! (5)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

merit

'deserve' is the definition.
(synonyms)

'one term? doubtful' is the wordplay.
'one' becomes 'i' (Roman numeral).
'doubtful' is an anagram indicator.
'i'+'term'='iterm'
'iterm' is an anagram of 'MERIT'.

(Other definitions for merit that I've seen before include "Excellence that deserves to be honoured" , "credit" , "Quality deserving reward" , "The M in OM" , "Advantage" .)

I've seen this clue in the Sydney Morning Herald.
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