deserve

verb de·serve \ di-ˈzərv \

Updated on: 14 Apr 2018

Definition of deserve

deserved; deserving

transitive verb

: to be worthy of : merit

deserves another chance

intransitive verb

: to be worthy, fit, or suitable for some reward or requital

… have become recognized as they deserve.
—T. S. Eliot

a worse punishment than he deserved

—

deserver

noun

See deserve defined for English-language learners

See deserve defined for kids

Examples of deserve in a Sentence

the team really deserved that victory after the way they played

Recent Examples of deserve from the Web

The boiling lake — which is quite literally about 200 degrees and bubbling — deserves a visit.

— Daily Intelligencer, "The Adventure-Seeker’s Guide to the Caribbean," 10 Apr. 2018
Kentucky deserves a comprehensive approach to tax reform that will lead to economic growth and higher employment, as well as one that meets revenue projections.

— morgan watkins, The Courier-Journal, "Here's Gov. Bevin's reasoning for vetoes of the budget and tax reform bills -- in his own words," 9 Apr. 2018
Our customer deserves a luxury shopping experience and an even better edit of clothing.

— chrissy rutherford, Harper's BAZAAR, "11Honoré and Precious Lee Are Here to Disrupt the High-End Fashion World," 5 Apr. 2018
After all, every new manager deserves more than a week to prove his worth.

— bob brookover, Philly.com, "Happy Home Opener: How will you greet Gabe Kapler? | Extra Innings," 5 Apr. 2018
This is a sad state of affairs, since the orchestra’s work deserves to be chronicled.

— rachel aviv, The New Yorker, "Augustin Hadelich’s Bold Violin Explorations," 2 Apr. 2018
Servers are people too and deserving of hellos, smiles, and pleases and thank yous.

— melissa locker, Southern Living, "These Are The Most Annoying Restaurant Requests, According to Waiters," 24 Mar. 2018
The Pathfinder deserves credit for making automated emergency braking standard on all trim levels.

— michael simari, Car and Driver, "2018 Nissan Pathfinder," 22 Mar. 2018
Mr Sisi, who won an election in 2014, deserves credit for taking painful steps to stabilise the economy, such as cutting subsidies and devaluing the Egyptian pound.

— The Economist, "Egypt’s choice: President Sisi, or a man who adores him," 22 Mar. 2018

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'deserve.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Origin and Etymology of deserve

Middle English, from Anglo-French deservir, from Latin deservire to devote oneself to, from de- + servire to serve

NEW! Time Traveler

First Known Use: 13th century

in the meaning defined at transitive sense

See Words from the same year

deserve Synonyms

Synonyms

earn, merit, rate;

Related Words

entitle, qualify;

DESERVE Defined for Kids

deserve

verb de·serve \ di-ˈzərv \

Definition of deserve for Students

deserved; deserving

: to have earned because of some act or quality

Synonym Discussion of deserve

deserve, merit, and earn mean to be worthy of something. deserve is used when a person should rightly receive something good or bad because of his or her actions or character.

- A hard worker deserves to be rewarded.

merit is used when someone or something is especially worthy of reward, punishment, or consideration.

- These students merit special praise.

earn is used when a person has spent time and effort and gets what he or she deserves.

- You've earned a long vacation.

Learn More about deserve

See words that rhyme with deserve Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for deserve Spanish Central: Translation of deserve Nglish: Translation of deserve for Spanish speakers Britannica English: Translation of deserve for Arabic speakers

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deserve

Definition of deserve

deserver

Examples of deserve in a Sentence

Recent Examples of deserve from the Web

Origin and Etymology of deserve

deserve Synonyms

Synonyms

Related Words

DESERVE Defined for Kids

deserve

Definition of deserve for Students

Synonym Discussion of deserve

Learn More about deserve

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deserve

Definition of deserve

deserver

Examples of deserve in a Sentence

Recent Examples of deserve from the Web

Origin and Etymology of deserve

deserve Synonyms

Synonyms

Related Words

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Related Phrases

DESERVE Defined for Kids

deserve

Definition of deserve for Students

Synonym Discussion of deserve

Learn More about deserve

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