deserved

adjective

de·​served di-ˈzərvd How to pronounce deserved (audio)
: 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.
Can that work in the big leagues, where the manager is usually a glorified PR staffer who talks to the media and takes the blame (deserved or not) for losses? Dieter Kurtenbach, Mercury News, 22 Oct. 2025 The result is a deserved cult film that promotes feminism and features some bona fide scares. Gwen Ihnat, Entertainment Weekly, 18 Oct. 2025 Sacramento State Football, postgame concert with Lil Yachty Hornets football is coming off a bye-week getting some deserved rest and extra reps before their next game. Marcus Smith, Sacbee.com, 17 Oct. 2025 Jake Sullivan, who was former President Joe Biden’s national security adviser, also said Trump deserved credit for the peace deal. Khaleda Rahman, MSNBC Newsweek, 13 Oct. 2025 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 29 Oct. 2025.

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

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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