deserving

[ dih-zur-ving ]
/ dɪˈzɜr vɪŋ /
SEE SYNONYMS FOR deserving ON THESAURUS.COM

adjective

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.

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disgruntle
to deprive of ability, qualification, or strength
to put into a state of sulky dissatisfaction
to make repayment or return for (service, benefits, etc.)
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Origin of deserving

First recorded in 1570–80; deserve + -ing2

OTHER WORDS FROM deserving

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2020

Words related to deserving

commendable, fitting, admirable, due, estimable, laudable, needy, praiseworthy, righteous, rightful, thankworthy

Example sentences from the Web for deserving

British Dictionary definitions for deserving

deserving
/ (dɪˈzɜːvɪŋ) /

adjective

(often postpositive and foll by of) worthy, esp of praise or reward

noun

rare a merit or demerit; desert

Derived forms of deserving

deservingly, adverbdeservingness, noun
Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012