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

Steve Sosnick, chief strategist at Interactive Brokers, said he didn’t think this latest episode was quite as deserving of the label.

From MarketWatch • Apr. 22, 2026

In his speech, Thomas said that many Americans no longer accept that “all men are created equal” and deserving of “unalienable rights” protected by limited government.

From Salon • Apr. 19, 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

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

From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 15, 2026

Once I have given birth, I will give my child to some gentlewoman more fit and more deserving to be a mother than I am.

From "Ophelia" by Lisa Klein

Related Words

• commendable