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.
He was deserving of leading roles on par with those Oldman has played.
From Salon ● Mar. 22, 2023
But he disputed that his show, which he performed last year at the prominent Edinburgh Festival Fringe, was deserving of censorship.
From New York Times ● Jan. 9, 2023
Some said the incident was deserving of a "world record", while others used it to make a point about India's inadequate transport facilities.
From BBC ● Jul. 12, 2022
“So I think he was deserving of it.”
From Seattle Times ● Oct. 6, 2021
Despite some of its grotesque features, it was deserving of more sympathy than it received, for it represented a pitiful phase of human poverty and suffering.
From The Greater Republic A History of the United States by Charles Morris
