deserving

[ dih-zur-ving ]

adjective

1. qualified for or having a claim to reward, assistance, etc., because of one's actions, qualities, or situation:

   the deserving poor;

   a deserving applicant.

2. meriting; worthy:

   a criminal deserving of a lifetime sentence.

deserving

/ dɪˈzɜːvɪŋ /

adjective

1. oftenpostpositive and foll by of worthy, esp of praise or reward

noun

1. rare.
   a merit or demerit; desert

Derived Forms

• deˈservingly, adverb
• deˈservingness, noun

Other Words From

• de·serving·ly adverb
• de·serving·ness noun
• self-de·serving adjective
• unde·serving adjective
• unde·serving·ly adverb
• unde·serving·ness noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of deserving¹

First recorded in 1570–80; deserve + -ing ²

Example Sentences

“These are three very deserving toys that showcase the wide range of how people play,” said Christopher Bensch, Vice President for Collections and Chief Curator of the museum.

From Salon

“But there are audiences that can never get to New York; there are audiences that can’t get to Los Angeles. The idea that they are any less deserving than any other audience? An audience is an audience, and if there’s an audience who wants to see it, and there’s a theater that will invest in it and do it well, it’s worth doing.”

From Los Angeles Times

"He is very deserving of this exquisite monument. The greatest president I've ever had. You will be missed by Ghanaians," one person posted, adding that Akufo-Addo was the "founder of Ghana's free education system".

From BBC

He's not going to see you as a person deserving full rights.

From Salon

Unlike men, who have agency and could have called a therapist instead of following Elon Musk on Twitter, lonely and needy cats are innocent and deserving of your love.

From Salon

Related Words

• commendable