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 deserved
-
present perfectof deserve.present perfect
Used to describe actions that started in the past and continue into or have direct relevance to the present.
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.
Gass said he doesn’t blame Black for distancing himself from the situation, telling the outlet, “I might have deserved it.”
From Salon ● Jan. 21, 2026
“It just makes life a lot easier for a lot of people, but also it’s just something a lot of people have deserved for years and years.”
From Seattle Times ● May 8, 2024
It’s easy to ridicule such a simplistic view of history, and to point out that the Spartans might not have deserved their reputation as invincible warriors.
From Slate ● Jan. 16, 2024
Warren Gatland's side would have deserved to bask for a while in victory in the opening World Cup match against Fiji in Bordeaux last weekend.
From BBC ● Sep. 15, 2023
If you should succeed in having your former chums expelled you would feel miserably afterward for having betrayed them, no matter how much they might have deserved it.”
From Marjorie Dean College Junior by Pauline Lester
