deserved

adjective

de·​served di-ˈzərvd How to pronounce deserved (audio)
Synonyms of deservednext
: 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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
In a business that loves a great origin story, Merino’s is refreshing as an outsider who has taken a very deserved seat at the Hollywood table. Clayton Davis, Variety, 19 Feb. 2026 This is a deserved reward for Thiago who is having an excellent season. Jay Harris, New York Times, 13 Feb. 2026 Winners who submit correct answers will receive deserved newsletter fame on Friday. Jared Gans, The Hill, 12 Feb. 2026 To Spoelstra the approach remains that youth will be served when deserved, and even then not at the cost of one more victory, even amid the seemingly inescapable reality of a fourth consecutive trip to the play-in round. Ira Winderman, Sun Sentinel, 7 Feb. 2026 See All Example Sentences for deserved

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

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Deserved.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/deserved. Accessed 27 Feb. 2026.

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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