Term is 'unjust deserts' (6)

I believe the answer is:

merits

I'm a little stuck... Click here to teach me more about this clue!

'deserts' is the definition.
(thesaurus)

'term is unjust' is the wordplay.
'term is' can be anagrammed to 'MERITS'.
But, I am unsure how this is indicated.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for merits that I've seen before include "Deserves or warrants" , "Deserves, is worthy of" , "Deserves to be praised" , "Virtues of timers" , "Legally right or wrong" .)

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

Want a hint initially instead of a full solution? Install my app