deserving
Americanadjective
-
qualified for or having a claim to reward, assistance, etc., because of one's actions, qualities, or situation.
the deserving poor;
a deserving applicant.
-
meriting; worthy.
a criminal deserving of a lifetime sentence.
adjective
noun
Other Word Forms
Etymology
Origin of deserving
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.
But deserving more attention is how he has enriched the country by building a remarkable company.
From The Wall Street Journal • Jun. 12, 2026
Perhaps, though, you think SpaceX is deserving of a stratospheric valuation.
From Barron's • May 29, 2026
Mandatory challengers are enforced on a rotating basis between sanctioning bodies, and next in line is WBC interim champion Agit Kabayel - widely viewed as the most deserving contender yet to receive his opportunity.
From BBC • May 24, 2026
“I’ve known Lisa for nearly three decades and believe that she is beyond deserving of this incredible honor,” fellow statue honoree and Lakers great Magic Johnson said in a news release.
From Los Angeles Times • May 14, 2026
She definitely considered it an honor for one of her lovies to get to go to high school with Theodore, and she carefully considered who was most deserving.
From "Small Steps" by Louis Sachar
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.
