merits and demerits; strengths and weaknesses
Used to evaluate both positive and negative aspects of a person, action, or policy. Often appears in formal or analytical contexts.
We need to calmly evaluate his merits and demerits.
Debate continues over the strengths and weaknesses of this policy.
Compound of 功 (achievement, merit) and 罪 (crime, fault). The combination directly yields the meaning of merits and demerits.