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.

---

deserving British  

/ dɪˈzɜːvɪŋ /

adjective

1. worthy, esp of praise or reward

---

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

Oh, the visitors will agonize over some of the bizarre calls, some deserving of further explanation from the NFL.

From Los Angeles Times

Scott Kupor, the OPM’s director, in August instructed agencies to be selective in awarding bonuses, and give priority to the most deserving employees.

From The Wall Street Journal

One of their trophies from last season has now been taken from them and no sane voice could mount any sort of case against St Mirren being thoroughly deserving of their glory.

From BBC

She did "many things" all over the pitch in a dominant win for the Gunners, and was fully deserving of the player of the match award.

From BBC

Ministers are reluctant to fuel an ugly conversation about who is "deserving" in society.

From BBC

Related Words

• commendable