deserved

American

[dih-zurvd] / dɪˈzɜrvd /

adjective

justly or rightly earned; merited.

a deserved increase in salary.

Other Word Forms

Etymology

Origin of deserved

First recorded in 1545–55; deserve + -ed ²

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.

“The kid is a playmaker. Deserved the Heisman Trophy a year ago, which he secured,” Colorado coach Deion Sanders said.

From Washington Times • Sep. 26, 2023

Deserved results haven’t always gone the way of either of these teams, perhaps explaining why they remain close to one another at the bottom of the standings.

From Seattle Times • Mar. 12, 2022

Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez was quick to celebrate the news, tweeting "Deserved recognition for a space in the capital that enhances our historic, artistic and cultural legacy".

From Reuters • Jul. 25, 2021

Well Deserved After Mr. Moon and Ms. Kim celebrated over sushi platters and Korean food with their guests, they went home to the apartment they share in the Rogers Park neighborhood of Chicago.

From New York Times • Oct. 9, 2020

I thought his faithful wife Deserved my sacrifice.

From Don Carlos by Schiller, Friedrich

Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023