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.
That still leaves five candidates deserving closer study.
From Science Daily ● Jul. 10, 2026
With his exit, they must realize there are others who are more deserving of attention and support.
From Salon ● Jul. 9, 2026
The Dodger stadium event was apparently an annual gathering sponsored by the California Credit Union — and later by an affiliated foundation — to honor deserving new teachers as “Rookies of the Year.”
From Los Angeles Times ● Jun. 28, 2026
But deserving more attention is how he has enriched the country by building a remarkable company.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Jun. 12, 2026
She definitely considered it an honor for one of her lovies to get to go to high school with Theodore, and she carefully considered who was most deserving.
From "Small Steps" by Louis Sachar
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
