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
With three goals and one assist in seven WSL games for her new club, it is clear Putellas is still deserving of her nickname.
From BBC ● 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
Knowing it would not be fast or easy, and wanting, deserving nothing less, grimly, patiently, he waited for death.
From "Maniac Magee" by Jerry Spinelli
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Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
