deserving

American  

[dih-zur-ving] / dɪˈzɜr vɪŋ /

adjective

1. qualified for or having a claim to reward, assistance, etc., because of one's actions, qualities, or situation.

   the deserving poor;

   a deserving applicant.

2. meriting; worthy.

   a criminal deserving of a lifetime sentence.

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deserving British  

/ dɪˈzɜːvɪŋ /

adjective

1. worthy, esp of praise or reward

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noun

1. rare a merit or demerit; desert

Other Word Forms

• deservingly
  adverb
• deservingness
  noun
• self-deserving
  adjective
• undeserving
  adjective
• undeservingly
  adverb
• undeservingness
  noun

Etymology

Origin of deserving

First recorded in 1570–80; deserve + -ing ²

Example Sentences

In Kentucky, lawmakers recently passed a bill classifying TV-viewing patterns as “sensitive data” deserving of broader legal protections and transparency measures.

From Slate • May 3, 2026

But while deserving of top billing, Renegade is hardly a standout, especially after he drew the No. 1 post position, considered a disadvantage.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 29, 2026

Finally, Barclays looks at IT hardware and communications equipment, with analysts led by Tim Long discussing whether AI-exposed names are deserving of higher current multiples.

From MarketWatch • Apr. 28, 2026

A red-card escape in the Women's Champions League for Katie McCabe perhaps shows the kind of decision fans really see as deserving of a ban.

From BBC • Apr. 14, 2026

I was half an hour late, having got lost on the way here, and I felt as deserving of a scolding as a schoolboy.

From "The Fire Next Time" by James Baldwin

Related Words

• commendable