Deserved

/dɪˈzɜːrvd/

Meaning & Definition

adjective
Meriting or worthy of something; having earned or being entitled to something, often as a result of one's actions or behavior.
She received the award because her hard work truly deserved recognition.
To have a claim to something based on one's actions or qualities.
After all his efforts to help others, he deserved the appreciation he finally received.
Having earned or brought upon oneself; used in the context of consequences.
They got the punishment they deserved for their reckless behavior.
Worthy of a specific treatment or outcome.
The team played exceptionally well, and their victory was well deserved.

Etymology

From Middle English deserveden, from Old French deservir, from Latin deservire.

Common Phrases and Expressions

what you deserve
That which you have earned through your actions.
deserved recognition
Acknowledgment that is considered appropriate based on someone's accomplishments.

Related Words

merit
The quality of being particularly good or worthy.
worthy
Deserving respect or attention.

Slang Meanings

Totally earned it
He totally earned it when he won that game.
Called for
That reaction was called for; she deserved it.