deserve

verb

de·​serve di-ˈzərv 

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

Synonyms

• earn
• merit
• rate

Examples of deserve in a Sentence

the team really deserved that victory after the way they played

Recent Examples on the Web

Grab one of these unreal sets to transform your routine or gift to a deserving bestie, snatch up a divine, single product to add to your stash. —Annie Blackman, Allure, 2 Dec. 2024

Speaking of accessories, statement styles, like a pair of two-toned penny loafers or leopard-print ankle boots, also deserve to be added to your Cyber Monday carts. —Laura Jackson, Vogue, 2 Dec. 2024

Efforts to put contemporary AI into life-or-death systems such as controlling our arsenal or guiding our national infrastructure deserve keen attention. —Lance Eliot, Forbes, 2 Dec. 2024

Coach Nick Sirianni deserves credit for keeping the hottest team in the NFL steady through on-field setbacks. —Jeff Zrebiec, The Athletic, 2 Dec. 2024

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

Phrases Containing deserve

• deserve a medal

Kids Definition

deserve

verb

de·​serve di-ˈzərv 

deserved; deserving

: to be worthy of : merit

deserves another chance