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Definition of deserve

deserve

/dɪˈzɜːrv/
de · serve
Adverb:deservedly
•
Adjective:deserving
•
Past Simple:deserved
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Past Participle:deserved
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Present Participle:deserving
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deserve Lexical Profile

deserve Game Scores & Validity

• verb

1

To be worthy of, qualified for, or have a valid claim to a reward, punishment, or specific treatment based on one's actions, qualities, or situation.

Example

"After working tirelessly on the community project for months, the volunteers truly deserve recognition for their dedication."

Synonyms
View all synonyms for deserve
Antonyms
View all antonyms for deserve

Word Nuance & Usage

'Deserve' is a stative verb and is rarely used in continuous (progressive) tenses; say 'She deserves a break' rather than 'She is deserving a break'.

• Rhymes for deserve

• Nearby Words

deserter
desertion
desertlike
deserve
deservedly
deserving
deservingly

Word Origin & Etymology

From Middle English deserven, borrowed from Old French deservir, from Latin deservire ('to serve zealously or devotedly'), from de- ('thoroughly') + servire ('to serve').

Cite this Entry

Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Deserve. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Nov 5, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/deserve
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