deserve
Americanverb (used with object)
verb (used without object)
verb
-
(tr) to be entitled to or worthy of; merit
-
obsolete to be worthy
Other Word Forms
Etymology
Origin of deserve
First recorded in 1250–1300; Middle English deserven, from Anglo-French, Old French deservir, from Latin dēservīre “to devote oneself to the service of,” equivalent to dē- de- + servīre “to serve” ( see serve)
Explanation
We deserve things based on our actions. For example, many people believe murderers deserve the death penalty. Deserve is used in many ways, but it always carries a sense of balance or justice. If someone receives an award for their work, it means they deserve praise and attention. If you deserve a day off, it means you've been working hard and have earned a vacation. If you threw a book during class, you deserve a punishment of some kind. Many laws — and lots of arguments — are about deciding what different people deserve. It's often hard to tell.
Vocabulary lists containing deserve
"Macbeth" Vocabulary from Act I
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Schooled
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History is made in PA: Clinton's DNC Acceptance Speech
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Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
Although most people have never heard of free living amoebae, scientists say they deserve far more attention.
From Science Daily • May 2, 2026
My fellow community members deserve a Supervisor who will fiercely defend their rights and demand transparency in leadership; I am that person.”
From Los Angeles Times • May 1, 2026
To them, this is another instance of Megan overcoming the disrespect of someone who doesn’t deserve her.
From Salon • Apr. 30, 2026
However not only is it all “nothing but words if its recommendations aren’t implemented,” as your editorial notes, but two glaring omissions in the report deserve attention.
From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 27, 2026
“I’m sorry I didn’t think of it before. We should ask Babs if she’ll pay you, too. You deserve it for all the work you’ve done.”
From "The Wrong Way Home" by Kate O’Shaughnessy
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
