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.
Two goals in Atletico Madrid’s 5-2 Champions League last-16 first-leg win over Tottenham had earned him a deserved player of the match trophy. Dermot Corrigan, New York Times, 8 Apr. 2026 The park by then had a deserved reputation as an open-air drug market. Patt Morrison, Los Angeles Times, 2 Apr. 2026 That is definitely well deserved. Langston Wertz Jr, Charlotte Observer, 24 Mar. 2026 Every award was absolutely deserved. Peter White, Deadline, 16 Mar. 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 16 Apr. 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

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