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.
They are probably the teams, other than PSG, who have deserved to be there the most in the past two seasons.
From BBC ● Sep. 7, 2026
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
By Castor and Pollux, I have deserved it.
From The Four Corners of the World by A. E. W. (Alfred Edward Woodley) Mason
