deserved

adjective

de·​served di-ˈzərvd How to pronounce deserved (audio)
: of, relating to, or being that which one deserves
a deserved reputation
deservedly
di-ˈzər-vəd-lē How to pronounce deserved (audio)
-ˈzərvd-lē
adverb
deservedness
di-ˈzər-vəd-nəs How to pronounce deserved (audio)
-ˈzərvd-nəs
noun

Examples of deserved in a Sentence

a well deserved promotion for a hard worker
Recent Examples on the Web Conclusion: Ford has a deserved winner in the Lightning, with sales surging 160% in August. Josh Max, Forbes, 11 Oct. 2024 While the Biden-Harris DOJ’s reputation for politicized law enforcement is well deserved, count us skeptical. The Editors, National Review, 27 Sep. 2024 This designation is well deserved: Pegasus is a spyware tool popular with repressive governments looking to surveil activists, journalists, and political opponents. Marietje Schaake, Foreign Affairs, 26 Sep. 2024 That nom would've made a most deserved win, in 1975 for A Woman Under the Influence. Ew Staff Published, EW.com, 3 Oct. 2024 See all Example Sentences for deserved 

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'deserved.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

from past participle of deserve

First Known Use

circa 1552, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of deserved was circa 1552

Dictionary Entries Near deserved

Cite this Entry

“Deserved.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/deserved. Accessed 31 Oct. 2024.

Kids Definition

deserved

adjective
de·​served -ˈzərvd How to pronounce deserved (audio)
: of, relating to, or being that which one deserves
a deserved punishment
deservedly adverb
deservedness noun

More from Merriam-Webster on deserved

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