deserve
verb (used with object)
to merit, be qualified for, or have a claim to (reward, assistance, punishment, etc.) because of actions, qualities, or situation.
was deserving
-
past progressiveof deserve.past progressive
Used to describe an ongoing action or continuous state that was happening at a specific time in the past.
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.
Saints owner Dragan Solak revealed to BBC Sport in early June that he would not sack Eckert and that he was deserving of a second chance.
From BBC ● Aug. 14, 2026
He was deserving of leading roles on par with those Oldman has played.
From Salon ● Mar. 22, 2023
Halfway through the meet, Chiles admitted she was “really over these judges” after being denied the satisfaction of a perfect score on a routine she believed was deserving.
From Los Angeles Times ● Feb. 11, 2023
“She just loved everyone, and she loved without judgment and she believed everyone was deserving of God’s grace,” Chastain said in a recent interview.
From Seattle Times ● Sep. 15, 2021
Aloof from mankind, he lived in a world of his own, which, in his view, contained all that was deserving of admiration and praise.
From The Conspiracy of Pontiac and the Indian War after the Conquest of Canada by Francis Parkman
