de·serv·ing
di-ˈzər-viŋ 
: deserved reward or punishment merit
… reward the proud according to their deservings!—
Charles Kingsley
Charles Kingsley1
: having good qualities that deserve praise, support, etc. : meritorious, worthy
rewarding deserving workers
scholarships for deserving students
2
: appropriately having or being given something specified
—used with of
a proposal deserving of support [=a proposal that deserves support]
a criminal deserving of punishment
deservingly
adverb
deservingness
noun
Examples of deserving in a Sentence
Adjective
He's a very deserving young man.
The church provides aid to deserving families.
Recent Examples on the Web
Adam Hurly, Robb Report, 21 Oct. 2025
But what’s ultimately the most impressive (and deserving of the big screen) is Piccard and Jones’ actual journey.
—Tomris Laffly, Variety, 28 Sep. 2025
Tamerra Griffin, New York Times, 19 Nov. 2025
Chess bogs its narrator down with needless exposition and jokes more deserving of an eye roll than a laugh.
—Shania Russell, Entertainment Weekly, 17 Nov. 2025
See All Example Sentences for deserving
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Noun
Few materials in perfumery possess the balance and poise of sandalwood, a note often used in a supporting role—but one deserving of its own spotlight.
—Adam Hurly, Robb Report, 21 Oct. 2025
But what’s ultimately the most impressive (and deserving of the big screen) is Piccard and Jones’ actual journey.
—Tomris Laffly, Variety, 28 Sep. 2025
Adjective
This is not to say that fellow Portland Thorns star Olivia Moultrie isn’t any less deserving of a shout as one of the league’s best midfielders.
—Tamerra Griffin, New York Times, 19 Nov. 2025
Chess bogs its narrator down with needless exposition and jokes more deserving of an eye roll than a laugh.
—Shania Russell, Entertainment Weekly, 17 Nov. 2025
See All Example Sentences for deserving
Cite this Entry
“Deserving.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/deserving. Accessed 26 Nov. 2025.
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