Deserving
What it means
Worthy of help, praise, attention, or reward on fair grounds.
Reach for it when identifying someone or something whose claim should be recognized
The patient volunteers are deserving of more than a hurried thank-you.
Words to choose between 6
| everyday | |
|---|---|
| warm | |
| professional | |
| formal |
|
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everyday
Fits when merit or value supports respectful recognition
Careful Worthy can describe a cause or object without the implied claim to receive something.
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warm
Fits when character or effort inspires personal respect
Careful Admiration is optional; a deserving applicant may simply meet fair criteria.
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professional
Fits when an action specifically deserves approval
Careful Commendable praises behavior but does not naturally identify someone needing help.
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professional
Fits when stated requirements make someone eligible
Careful Qualification proves fit under rules, not broader deservingness.
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formal
entitled
Fits when a rule or right guarantees receipt
Careful Entitled can sound negative and is stronger than a moral claim based on merit.
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formal
Fits when conduct or achievement meets an explicit high standard
Careful Its institutional tone is excessive for everyday kindness or need.
Opposites 3
- undeserving
- unworthy
- ineligible
Common phrases 3
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deserving cause
The neighborhood fund supports a deserving cause each winter.
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deserving candidate
Reviewers agreed that Mara was a deserving candidate for the scholarship.
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deserving of praise
The quiet work behind the successful event is deserving of praise.
Definitions and examples are written for this site. How words are chosen Recording: Vealhurl, Southern England accent, from Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0 Updated