This is the 11925th most frequent Russian word.
заслуга
"Заслуга" means "merit" or "achievement."
In this sentence, 'заслуга' refers to the credit or achievement attributed to someone for their contributions.
Это его заслуга, что проект был завершен в срок.
It is his merit that the project was completed on time.
Here, 'заслуга' means an accomplishment or achievement attained through effort.
Он долго трудился ради этой заслуги.
He worked hard for this achievement.
In this context, 'заслуги' (plural of 'заслуга') indicates the acknowledged contributions or achievements of the individual.