deserving
Americanadjective
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qualified for or having a claim to reward, assistance, etc., because of one's actions, qualities, or situation.
the deserving poor;
a deserving applicant.
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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.
The Dodger stadium event was apparently an annual gathering sponsored by the California Credit Union — and later by an affiliated foundation — to honor deserving new teachers as “Rookies of the Year.”
From Los Angeles Times • Jun. 28, 2026
WBC 'interim' champion Kabayel has been waiting for his shot and is the most deserving of a crack at a world title.
From BBC • Jun. 26, 2026
But deserving more attention is how he has enriched the country by building a remarkable company.
From The Wall Street Journal • Jun. 12, 2026
Or maybe Becerra was, indeed, a feckless, flailing and thoroughly awful Cabinet member, deserving of scorn and shame.
From Los Angeles Times • May 31, 2026
“There is no one more deserving of help at this moment,” my father said.
From "Bless Me, Ultima" by Rudolfo Anaya
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.
