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

Examples of deserve in a Sentence

the team really deserved that victory after the way they played

Recent Examples on the Web

Target $130 $70 (46% off) Walmart In the world of USB microphones, Blue’s Yeti deserves a place on Mt. Rushmore. —Simon Hill, Wired News, 12 July 2025

But that’s still better than nothing, and these lawmakers deserve credit for persisting in shining a light on this very dark, still-emerging chapter of our state’s history. —Steve Bousquet, Sun Sentinel, 12 July 2025

One of those deficiencies, Hay said, was the lack of an standards for deciding who deserves money from the foundation. —Jeffrey Schweers, The Orlando Sentinel, 11 July 2025

Other design elements that deserve a nod are Hould-Ward’s many striking costumes, which sparkle and shimmer with vibrant flair. —Emily McClanathan, Chicago Tribune, 11 July 2025

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

Rhymes for deserve

• conserve
• manoeuvre
• observe
• preserve
• reserve
• subserve
• curve
• mirv
• nerve
• serve
• swerve
• verve

Kids Definition

deserve

verb

de·​serve di-ˈzərv 

deserved; deserving

: to be worthy of : merit

deserves another chance