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.
But that all could soon change with an ambitious project to remove the dam that officials are hailing as a deserved environmental win. Stephen Underwood, Hartford Courant, 26 June 2025 And the renewal is well deserved, with the show’s whip-smart writing and a top cast. Rich Heldenfels, Boston Herald, 8 June 2025 Around the league While WBD’s Zaslav said this week that U.S. sports has never been much of a driver for HBO Max signups, TNT Sports took a well deserved victory lap with its coverage of the French Open this week. Alex Sherman, CNBC, 12 June 2025 Anyway, here’s what got the most deserved laughter this week in late night. Bethy Squires, Vulture, 6 June 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 5 Jul. 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

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