I. noun
( -s )
Etymology: Middle English, from gerund of deserven
: desert , merit
II. adjective
Etymology: from present participle of deserve
: meritorious , worthy
rewarding deserving workers
the causes most deserving of help
a charlatan deserving of the severest penalty
specifically : meriting financial assistance
scholarship aid for needy and deserving students
• de·serv·ing·ly adverb
• de·serv·ing·ness noun -es