deserving

[dih-zur-ving]

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

/ 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

Word History and Origins

Origin of deserving¹

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

Example Sentences

The question now is whether the president will use his political leverage and capital to take the bold action necessary to make himself truly deserving of the Nobel Peace Prize.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

There are two arguments: After juries found the 37 inmates deserving of death, shouldn’t they suffer the harshest treatment short of execution?

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

But that devotion to exposing corruption comes at a price frequently paid by the communities least deserving of the blowback.

Read more on Salon

I didn’t feel like I was even deserving of some anniversary.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

Glasner's animated touchline energy transmits itself to a team with class in all areas, and one fully deserving of its current lofty position in the table.

Read more on BBC

Related Words

• commendable