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

While the strategists say those sectors are deserving of higher values, tech is being overly punished despite strong growth rates.

From MarketWatch • Apr. 7, 2026

The solid, stolid, self-satisfied Edwardian England that had seemed so deserving of his lashes was itself now wounded, and something in Galsworthy shifted accordingly.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 3, 2026

Are we still deserving of kindness when someone knows our darkest, most cruel impulses?

From Salon • Apr. 3, 2026

Forty-eight MPAs have already been identified as part of an "ecologically significant" network of places "deserving of enhanced protection".

From BBC • Feb. 28, 2026

“There is no one more deserving of help at this moment,” my father said.

From "Bless Me, Ultima" by Rudolfo Anaya

Related Words

• commendable