deserved
Rightfully coming to
Deserved describes something earned or merited through one's actions: a well-deserved rest, deserved criticism.
The word implies a fitting match between behavior and outcome—good or bad.
She got her deserved recognition after years of hard work.
He received his deserved punishment.
The adverb deservedly emphasizes that justice was served: They deservedly lost.
Deserving respect or esteem
- fittingSuitable or proper
- appropriateSuited to circumstance
- properSocially appropriate
- suitableProper for purpose
befitting · apt · due · rightful · warranted · justified · earned · commendable
Just and equal treatment
- equityImpartial treatment or ownership value
- righteousnessMoral correctness or virtue
- vindicationClearance of blame
- retributionPunishment for wrongdoing
karma · comeuppance · reckoning · recompense · poetic justice · punishment · consequence · accountability
Expression of approval
- creditRecognition or payment deferral
- acknowledgmentConfirmation of receipt
- accoladeExpression of high esteem
- commendationFormal expression of approval
honors · tribute · applause · kudos · distinction · acclaim · appreciation · respect
Applied energy toward goals
- achievementAccomplished goal or deed
- dedicationWholehearted loyalty to purpose
- laborStrenuous effort; also childbirth
- perseveranceSustained resolve despite obstacles
toil · struggle · sweat · endeavor · accomplishment · attainment · commitment · diligence
Entitlement from origin
- inheritanceProperty received from ancestors
- legacyWhat's passed down
- rightMorally proper or entitled
- claimStatement of ownership or truth
due · privilege · prerogative · heritage · patrimony · endowment · bequest · succession
worthy
Deserving respect or esteem
- fittingSuitable or proper
- appropriateSuited to circumstance
- properSocially appropriate
suitable · befitting · apt · due · rightful · warranted · justified · earned · commendable · meritorious
fairness
Just and equal treatment
- equityImpartial treatment or ownership value
- righteousnessMoral correctness or virtue
- vindicationClearance of blame
retribution · karma · comeuppance · reckoning · recompense · poetic justice · punishment · consequence · accountability · judgment
praise
Expression of approval
- creditRecognition or payment deferral
- acknowledgmentConfirmation of receipt
- accoladeExpression of high esteem
commendation · honors · tribute · applause · kudos · distinction · acclaim · appreciation · respect · ovation
effort
Applied energy toward goals
- achievementAccomplished goal or deed
- dedicationWholehearted loyalty to purpose
- laborStrenuous effort; also childbirth
perseverance · toil · struggle · sweat · endeavor · accomplishment · attainment · commitment · diligence · striving
birthright
Entitlement from origin
- inheritanceProperty received from ancestors
- legacyWhat's passed down
- rightMorally proper or entitled
claim · due · privilege · prerogative · heritage · patrimony · endowment · bequest · succession · allotment
- fairnessfair play, fair shake, fair treatment, fair and square, fair share
- justificationsjustification, rationale, reason, excuse, explanation
deservedundeserved
Not rightfully owed
unearned · unmerited · unjustified · unwarranted · gratuitous
deservedunjust
Not fair or right
unfair · inequitable · undue · improper · wrongful
deservedexcessive
Surpassing reasonable bounds
inordinate · disproportionate · exorbitant · immoderate · extravagant
- you deserve itFairly owed to someone
- richly deserved
- deserving poorNeedy judged morally fit
deserve, deserving, deserves, undeserved, deservedly, undeserving, undeservedly, deservedness