deserved

[ dih-zurvd ]

adjective

1. justly or rightly earned; merited:

   a deserved increase in salary.

Other Words From

• de·serv·ed·ness [dih-, zur, -vid-nis], noun
• half-de·served adjective
• half-de·served·ness noun
• unde·served adjective
• well-de·served adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of deserved¹

First recorded in 1545–55; deserve + -ed ²

Example Sentences

Carsley has occasionally looked uncomfortable in his lofty position, but this was a vital moment for him and England, so he fully deserved to relish it.

From BBC

They treated it all like some terrible board game when they should have been sounding the alarms and giving the most menacing threat in American history the editorial weight it deserved.

From Salon

The Catalan, who arrived at Manchester City in the summer of 2016, had been on hot bricks from the first whistle at Amex Stadium, his mood made worse by Matt O'Riley racing through a creaking defence to score Brighton's deserved winner seven minutes from the end of a thunderous encounter.

From BBC

Los Angeles City Councilmember Kevin de León was in full campaign mode two days before Tuesday’s election, when voters would decide whether he deserved a second term.

From Los Angeles Times

"It is a well deserved honour to have Susie as the first-ever female chief of staff in United States history," he continued.

From BBC

Related Words

• earned
• proper
• rightful