deserve
verb (used with object)
to merit, be qualified for, or have a claim to (reward, assistance, punishment, etc.) because of actions, qualities, or situation.
deserves
-
present tense formof deserve (3rd person singular).present tense
Used to describe things happening now or regularly.
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.
What deserves your focus? says Robert Gaudette, CEO of Houston-based NRG Energy who spent 25 years climbing the ranks before taking the top job earlier this year.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Sep. 12, 2026
Lozita, a nurse, knows she deserves better than this man, but she doesn’t know what to do about getting it.
From Los Angeles Times ● Sep. 11, 2026
Sept. 11 was an event of its time and deserves to stand in history, but not entirely outside of context.
From Salon ● Sep. 11, 2026
That third rule deserves emphasis because of how ordinary the mistake looks.
From MarketWatch ● Sep. 10, 2026
“I mean, he’s a nice guy. He deserves to know he doesn’t have a shot with you at all. And then maybe you guys can move past the awkwardness.”
From "When Dimple Met Rishi" by Sandhya Menon
