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.
Expect kudos, rewards and deserved acknowledgement! Georgia Nicols, Denver Post, 12 May 2025 But there is also the fact that Bayern lost their record dominance in the Champions League group stage, and although the club put up a good fight, the exit against Inter Milan was more than deserved. Manuel Veth, Forbes.com, 3 May 2025 With her recent domination of Milan, and imminent command over New York City’s annual design week in May, Toogood is happily riding this second wave of success—and humbly basking in the highly deserved recognition from her industry peers. Dan Howarth, Vogue, 30 Apr. 2025 The rapper was on hand to help celebrate the punk rock trio receiving their much deserved star on the famous Tinseltown walkway along with the likes of Ryan Reynolds, the band’s longtime record executive and producer Rob Cavallo and host Matt Pinfield, all of whom gave speeches at the ceremony. Glenn Rowley, Billboard, 2 May 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 18 May. 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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