English · Word Candidate

deserving

/dɪˈzɝvɪŋ/

Proposed by a contributor, not yet supported by evidence.

Also seen as: deservings

Sense 1

Meaning · English

Worthy of reward or praise; meritorious.

Adjective

Examples

the deserving poor

Usage example from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01)

Sources & notes

Adapted from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01 via kaikki.org).

Sense 2

Meaning · English

Meriting, worthy (reward, punishment etc.)

Adjective

Examples

In the midst of a world war many centenaries pass unnoticed, but one which fell on August 2, namely, the opening of Fenchurch Street station, is deserving of record.

Usage example from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01)

Sources & notes

Adapted from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01 via kaikki.org).

Sense 3

Meaning · English

desert, merit

Noun

Examples

I here understand that value which every man puts upon his own deservings from the publick

Usage example from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01)

Sources & notes

Adapted from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01 via kaikki.org).

Common questions

What does “deserving” mean?

Worthy of reward or praise; meritorious.

Is “deserving” formal or informal?

No register label has been reviewed yet — treat it as neutral and check the usage notes above.