deserve

verb

de·​serve di-ˈzərv How to pronounce deserve (audio)
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

Examples of deserve in a Sentence

the team really deserved that victory after the way they played
Recent Examples on the Web Big savings aside, the versatile Tula Brightening Eye Balm Stick deserves a spot in every toiletry bag and bathroom cabinet thanks to its powerful ingredient list alone. Emily Belfiore, Travel + Leisure, 24 Nov. 2023 The message here that kamikaze pilots who survived deserve to bear neither shame nor guilt will resonate strongly with modern audiences. Richard Kuipers, Variety, 22 Nov. 2023 Who to start: The Patriots D/ST deserves streaming consideration against an offense allowing the most fantasy points to opposing defenses. Eddie Brown, San Diego Union-Tribune, 22 Nov. 2023 The paparazzi and celebrities may soon return, but Pippen deserves attention for his skills. Iliana Limón Romero, Los Angeles Times, 22 Nov. 2023 Each of these individuals deserves a treatment plan that is tailored to their needs. Paige Stables, Allure, 22 Nov. 2023 And the American public deserves to know how Ticketmaster’s unfair practices may be enabled by its misuse of monopoly power. Ethan Millman, Rolling Stone, 20 Nov. 2023 Great British Baking Show alum Jürgen Krauss has a traditional German treat that deserves a spot at your holiday meal. Sabrina Weiss, Peoplemag, 20 Nov. 2023 Resist the urge to follow fleeting fads; your wedding proposal deserves to be as one-of-a-kind as your love. Boutayna Chokrane, Vogue, 20 Nov. 2023 See More

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'deserve.' 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

Middle English deserven, disserven "to be worthy of, attain what one deserves," borrowed from Anglo-French deservir, desservir, deserver "to deserve, merit, earn, be entitled to" (also continental Old & Middle French), going back to Medieval Latin dēservīre "to serve, officiate (at mass), hold land by service, earn, deserve," going back to Latin, "to spend one's time in, devote oneself (to pursuits, interests), be submissive to, comply with," from dē- de- + servīre "to perform duties for (a master) in the capacity of a slave, act in subservience, be at the service of" — more at serve entry 1

First Known Use

13th century, in the meaning defined at transitive sense

Time Traveler
The first known use of deserve was in the 13th century

Dictionary Entries Near deserve

Cite this Entry

“Deserve.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/deserve. Accessed 4 Dec. 2023.

Kids Definition

deserve

verb
de·​serve di-ˈzərv How to pronounce deserve (audio)
deserved; deserving
: to be worthy of : merit
deserves another chance

More from Merriam-Webster on deserve

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