deserving candidate

USAGE SUMMARY

"deserving candidate" is correct and usable in written English.
You could use it when you want to emphasize someone who is qualified or has worked hard for something. For example: After years of hard work, John was chosen as the deserving candidate to receive the scholarship.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

22 human-written examples

In recent years, administrators of the economics prize have taken to joking that "all the mighty firs have fallen; now there are only bushes left" -- implying that economics is so shallow a subject that every truly deserving candidate has already won the prize and only second-rate contenders remain.

The New York Times

In the last 7 years, I have grown and excelled as a manager in many ways and would like to share certain qualities that make me a deserving candidate for you: Honed strategic sense along with being an innovative solution provider.

Cover Letter

The deserving candidate will walk the walk".

The New York Times

IF any one drummer should represent the United States in an international percussion festival, Max Roach is a deserving candidate.

The New York Times

In a world where young scientists look for inspirational female role models, it is hard to think of a more deserving candidate.

Nature

Mr. Menendez is widely viewed as a deserving candidate if Mr. Torricelli is elected governor and needs to appoint his successor to the Senate.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

38 human-written examples

WIFT India will provide internships and mentorships to deserving candidates.

The New York Times

There's an ocean of deserving candidates which probably means more than a few won't make it.

The Guardian - Sport

Both are deserving candidates of the league's defensive player of the year award, though, naturally, that is not the way Polamalu sees it.

The New York Times - Sports

Channel 4 will air The Intern next year, in which "talented, ambitious and deserving" candidates will compete to win a job with some of "Britain's most exciting employers".

The Guardian

Emil Abirascid of Startupbusiness, a web platform for new companies, says a well-intentioned law to introduce simpler procedures for firms deemed "innovative startups" was badly drafted and thus excludes plenty of deserving candidates.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using the phrase "deserving candidate", clearly state the criteria that make the candidate deserving. This adds weight to your statement and avoids ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "deserving candidate" without providing objective reasons or evidence. Saying someone is a "deserving candidate" without justification can weaken your argument and appear biased.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "deserving candidate" primarily functions as a noun phrase, where "deserving" acts as an adjective modifying the noun "candidate". Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage. It identifies a person who is worthy or suitable for a particular position or opportunity.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Formal & Business

25%

Academia

15%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Science

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "deserving candidate" is a common and grammatically correct expression used to describe an individual who is worthy of a particular role or opportunity. As Ludwig AI confirms, it’s used across various contexts, including news, business, and academia. The phrase emphasizes not just qualification, but also a sense of fairness and moral right. When using this phrase, it's best practice to provide clear criteria for why the candidate is deserving to avoid subjective judgment. Alternatives include "qualified applicant", "worthy nominee", and "suitable choice", each with subtle differences in nuance. Ludwig's analysis shows a high frequency of use and provides a solid foundation for understanding and applying this phrase effectively.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

qualified applicant

Focuses on the qualifications of the person applying.

worthy nominee

Emphasizes the worthiness of the person being nominated.

suitable choice

Highlights the appropriateness of the selection.

ideal selection

Suggests the person is the perfect fit.

meritorious individual

Stresses the individual's commendable qualities.

strong contender

Implies the person is a competitive candidate.

top prospect

Highlights the person's potential and desirability.

highly regarded person

Focuses on the positive reputation of the individual.

promising entrant

Suggests the person is new but has potential.

accomplished individual

Emphasizes the person's achievements and skills.

FAQs

How can I use "deserving candidate" in a sentence?

You can use "deserving candidate" to describe someone who merits consideration for a position, award, or opportunity due to their qualifications or efforts. For instance: "After years of dedicated service, she was considered a "deserving candidate" for promotion".

What are some alternatives to saying "deserving candidate"?

Depending on the context, you could use alternatives like "qualified applicant", "worthy nominee", or "suitable choice".

Is it better to say "deserving candidate" or "most qualified candidate"?

The best choice depends on the nuance you want to convey. "Deserving candidate" implies a sense of fairness and moral right, while "most qualified candidate" focuses strictly on skills and experience. The "most qualified candidate" may not always be the most deserving, and vice versa.

What qualities make someone a "deserving candidate"?

A "deserving candidate" typically possesses a combination of relevant qualifications, experience, dedication, and a strong work ethic. They may also demonstrate exceptional character or have overcome significant obstacles to achieve their goals.