deserving
Americanadjective
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qualified for or having a claim to reward, assistance, etc., because of one's actions, qualities, or situation.
the deserving poor;
a deserving applicant.
-
meriting; worthy.
a criminal deserving of a lifetime sentence.
adjective
noun
Other Word Forms
Etymology
Origin of deserving
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
This is a true dilemma — and it’s one that couldn’t happen to a more deserving network.
From Salon ● Nov. 2, 2026
Robert Pattinson, “Primetime” “Matt Damon does fantastic, unshowy work in ‘The Odyssey,’ in a performance that I think is deserving of the Oscar.
From Los Angeles Times ● Oct. 28, 2026
It forces a reassessment of the route which brought Benn here, and whether his body of work really suggested he was ready for, or deserving of, a world-title fight.
From BBC ● Sep. 13, 2026
Two categories stood out as particularly deserving of further investigation: reproductive symptoms, including changes in menstrual cycles, and problems involving body temperature, such as chills and hot flashes.
From Science Daily ● Sep. 13, 2026
I wondered where they were taking him, what grievous wrong had he committed deserving of being shackled, what type of fiends the two policemen were.
From "Kaffir Boy: An Autobiography" by Mark Mathabane
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Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
