deserve
verb (used with object)
to merit, be qualified for, or have a claim to (reward, assistance, punishment, etc.) because of actions, qualities, or situation.
have been deserving
-
present perfect progressiveof deserve.present perfect progressive
Used to describe an action that began in the past, has continued continuously, and is still in progress.
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.
Had he lived in the era of Nobel Prizes, he would undoubtedly have been deserving of one for his work.
From Salon ● Oct. 19, 2022
“If you can’t tell by now, there is a concerted effort to give newer artists things that they really don’t deserve over people who have been deserving for many years,” Minaj continued.
From Los Angeles Times ● Oct. 14, 2022
You congratulate France, who deserved to be champions, but we could have been deserving winners.”
From The Guardian ● Nov. 16, 2018
The vote which pronounced Russell's conduct to have been deserving of all praise was communicated to the Lords; and the papers which they had sent down were very unceremoniously returned.
From The History of England, from the Accession of James II — Volume 4 by Thomas Babington Macaulay, Baron Macaulay
There have been hours of my life when I have been deserving of pity.
From The Manxman A Novel - 1895 by Sir Hall Caine
