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Definition of deserving

deserving

/dɪˈzɝːvɪŋ/
de · serv · ing
Adverb:deservingly
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deserving Lexical Profile

deserving Game Scores & Validity

• adjective

1

Worthy of being treated in a particular way, typically of receiving reward, praise, or assistance.

Example

"The scholarship committee selected several deserving students from the local high school."

Synonyms
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Antonyms
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• Rhymes for deserving

• Nearby Words

desertlike
deserve
deservedly
deserving
deservingly
desex
desi

Word Origin & Etymology

Formed in Middle English as the participial adjective of 'deserve', borrowed from Old French 'deservir' and ultimately from Latin 'deservire', meaning 'to serve zealously'.

Cite this Entry

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