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.
Anyway, here’s what got the most deserved laughter this week in late night. Bethy Squires, Vulture, 6 June 2025 As living things, fresh blooms have developed a (deserved) reputation for being fussy. Quincy Bulin, Southern Living, 11 May 2025 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 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

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Cite this Entry

“Deserved.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/deserved. Accessed 12 Jun. 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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