deserved

adjective

de·​served di-ˈzərvd 

: of, relating to, or being that which one deserves

a deserved reputation

deservedly

di-ˈzər-vəd-lē 

-ˈzərvd-lē

adverb

deservedness

di-ˈzər-vəd-nəs 

-ˈzərvd-nəs

noun

Synonyms of deserved

• justified

Examples of deserved in a Sentence

a well deserved promotion for a hard worker

Recent Examples on the Web

Immigrants brought to the United States in childhood were once the poster children of the immigration reform debate — the one group that most Americans, regardless of political affiliation, could agree deserved protection. — Lauren Villagran, Miami Herald, 2 July 2026

Germany's head coach, Julian Nagelsmann, gave Ecuador its deserved praise for the win today, saying his own team failed to find its rhythm in the second half. — Andrew Greif, NBC news, 26 June 2026

The continent is represented by 10 teams this tournament, twice as many as in 2022, a deserved increase given in qualification spots as part of the tournament expansion. — Jacob Whitehead, New York Times, 20 June 2026

Alan Tudyk is just brilliant and genuinely deserved awards for his performance as the alien, Harry. — Erik Kain, Forbes.com, 5 June 2026

Word History

Etymology

from past participle of deserve

First Known Use

circa 1552, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for deserved

• underserved
• undeserved
• unobserved
• unreserved
• conserved
• decurved
• incurved
• observed
• preserved
• recurved
• reserved
• subserved

Kids Definition

deserved

adjective

de·​served -ˈzərvd 

: of, relating to, or being that which one deserves

a deserved punishment

deservedly

-ˈzər-vəd-lē 

adverb

deservedness

-nəs 

noun