Just not good enough to merit distinction (4)
I believe the answer is:
fair
'just' is the definition.
(just can mean fair in the sense of showing justice)
I don't understand the rest of the clue.
Can you help me to learn more?
(Other definitions for fair that I've seen before include "'Just, meet (4)'" , "Show - just - lovely" , "Considerable" , "Favourable" , "promotional exhibition" .)