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.
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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.
Norris was followed across the line by Verstappen and Antonelli, both of whom drove fine races themselves, the three podium finishers fully deserving their results.
From BBC ● Jul. 26, 2026
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
But deserving more attention is how he has enriched the country by building a remarkable company.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Jun. 12, 2026
Dadi offered him some of her Parle-G biscuits, which she only does to the most deserving visitors—and Oso.
From "From Twinkle, with Love" by Sandhya Menon
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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.