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

She believes young women are capable, deserving of independence, but she’s still my father’s younger sister, still responsible for me.

From Literature

Teammates including James and Doncic count Reaves among their peers deserving of star status.

From Los Angeles Times

"Their connection and skill in the ring have shone throughout, making them thoroughly deserving champions," she said.

From BBC

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

From BBC

Players from the lower-ranked teams expressed their keenness to perform, not just to cause an upset but also to prove they are deserving of the greater opportunities they so desperately seek.

From BBC

Related Words

• commendable