# deserve

/dɪˈzɝv/ (US) · /dɪzˈɜːv/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/deserve
Updated: 2026-06-19

## Senses

### 1. to be worthy of

verb · CEFR B1

to be worthy of something because of how you have behaved or what you have done.

For teachers: to merit or be entitled to something as a result of past actions, character, or effort.

- After working so hard all year, you really deserve a long holiday.
- The legal team argued that their client did not deserve such a harsh sentence given the mitigating circumstances presented during the trial.

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).

## 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.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.