deserved
6 synonyms and 0 antonyms for deserved, grouped by meaning and by how common each one is.
Adj — Earned or merited; fair given the circumstances.
Synonyms
Everyday swaps
Common words most readers know — safe in any writing.
Less common
Still standard English, but they carry more weight.
Rare, literary or technical
Precise, but they will stand out — check the sense before using one.
How to use deserved
The word patterns that sound natural to a native speaker.
Frequently asked questions
What does “deserved” mean?
The word “deserved” means earned or merited; fair given the circumstances. In plain terms, fairly earned, not just handed out.
How do you pronounce “deserved”?
“Deserved” is pronounced dih-ZURVD (/dɪˈzɝvd/ in IPA).
How do you use “deserved” in a sentence?
Here is “deserved” used in a sentence: “It was a well-deserved win after months of hard training.”
What part of speech is “deserved”?
“Deserved” is an adjective.
Is “deserved” a common word?
“Deserved” is a fairly common word in modern English.
What is the difference between deserved and deserving?
"Deserved" describes the reward or outcome that has been earned, as in "a deserved win." "Deserving" describes the person or thing worthy of it, as in "a deserving winner," so the two are not interchangeable.
What is the difference between deserved and earned?
Both suggest something was rightly received, but "earned" stresses the effort or work put in, while "deserved" stresses that the outcome is fair given the circumstances. A reward can be deserved because it is just, even if little direct effort was involved.
Does deserved always describe something positive?
No. "Deserved" means earned or fair given the circumstances, which can apply to punishment as well as reward, as in "a deserved penalty." The word points to fairness, not necessarily to a good outcome.