deserving
Americanadjective
-
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
“In other words, I’ll determine whether or not the person is deserving, and I’ll determine, and I will be very generous.”
From Los Angeles Times ● Oct. 26, 2026
Making the playoffs in Major League Baseball is supposed to be a mark of excellence, a reward given only to the most deserving for enduring the grueling marathon of 162 games in roughly 180 days.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Sep. 18, 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
Tristan und Isolde is an out-and-out masterpiece, with sweeping, yearning themes, deserving of its place in music’s pantheon, whatever it may or may not have innovated.
From "The Story of Music" by Howard Goodall
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