How to Pronounce Deserved

To pronounce "deserved", say DES-erv-ed — 3 syllables, IPA /dɪˈzɜːvd/. Tap play below to hear it in four English accents, or practice it syllable by syllable.

deserved

Tap to hear · American accent

Accent

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Speed

Syllable by syllable — tap each one

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Syllables

Letters

/dɪˈzɜːvd/

IPA

💡 Tip for remembering “deserved”

"deserved" has 3 syllables: des-erv-ed. It rhymes with reserved and unnerved, if that helps it stick.

What does deserved mean?

verb

To be entitled to, as a result of past actions; to be worthy to have.
“After playing so well, the team really deserved their win.”
To earn, win.

Synonyms

merit

Hear “deserved” in real sentences

Real example sentences from Tatoeba (CC-BY) — tap to hear each one, or see it used on YouGlish.

Words that rhyme with deserved

Practicing rhymes trains the same ending sounds.

reserved unnerved preserved observed undeserved curved conserved served underserved nerved swerved unpreserved

Frequently asked questions

How many syllables are in "deserved"?▾

"Deserved" has 3 syllables: des · erv · ed.

What is the IPA transcription of "deserved"?▾

The IPA transcription of "deserved" is /dɪˈzɜːvd/.

What does "deserved" mean?▾

Deserved: To be entitled to, as a result of past actions; to be worthy to have.

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