Word
Definition
v. to be worthy of something because of how you have behaved or what you have done.
v. to merit or be entitled to something as a result of past actions, character, or effort.
Examples
“You worked hard all week and deserve a rest.”
“After years of dedicated service to the local community, the retiring doctor certainly deserves this recognition.”
“Whether a convicted criminal deserves a second chance is a question that sits at the heart of most modern debates regarding restorative justice and prison reform.”
Examples
simple
“You worked hard all week and deserve a rest.”
contextual
“After years of dedicated service to the local community, the retiring doctor certainly deserves this recognition.”
complex
“Whether a convicted criminal deserves a second chance is a question that sits at the heart of most modern debates regarding restorative justice and prison reform.”
Collocations
Common phrases and expressions where native English speakers use the word “deserve” in context.
Verb
01. deserve consideration
“Your proposal is very innovative and certainly deserves careful consideration by the board.”
verb + noun
Usage
Commonly followed by a noun phrase or a 'to' infinitive.
Teaching tip
Remind students that this word is neutral; you can deserve a 'promotion' (positive) or a 'punishment' (negative).
Pitfall
She deserves winning the prize.
She deserves to win the prize.
When followed by another verb, use the 'to' infinitive, not the '-ing' form.
Real-World Examples
“Barnard also wants to support young talented drivers who he feels are being left behind - as he feels not everybody that's made it into top-flight sports "deserves to be there".” “I want to be able to give him all the love he deserves,” read an entry from Clancy’s notes app on 25 October 2022.” Etymology
From Middle English deserven, from Old French deservir, from Latin dēserviō, from dē- + serviō.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Synonyms
Related words
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.B2 FirstIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.5.5–6.5TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 4.0–4.572–94TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.785–944
- Frequency
- Common
- Level
- B2 · Upper IntermediateOxford
- Updated
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QR code
englishreference.com/q/deserve
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「日本語」 data: JMdict (EDRDG), CC BY-SA 4.0