most deserved

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "most deserved" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you are emphasizing that someone has earned a certain outcome or reward. For example: "After all the hard work he had put in, he received the most deserved promotion."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

26 human-written examples

Awards: many, most deserved".

The New Yorker

Which role most deserved an Oscar?

The Guardian - Film

Mr Welch, more than most, deserved to be well rewarded.

The Economist

"It was probably the most deserved vacation I've even taken".

The New York Times

Almost all of the internees were surely innocent, and most deserved the rights of citizens.

The New York Times - Arts

Respondents were asked which of the two candidates most deserved to be called slippery or divisive.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

33 human-written examples

Most deserve oblivion.

The New York Times - Arts

Who most deserves the blame?

The Guardian - Books

Most deserve their "do not resuscitate" label.

The Guardian - Books

But whose dreams most deserve funding?

The Guardian

But most deserve their place in the book.

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "most deserved" when you want to emphasize that someone truly earned or is entitled to something, often after significant effort or hardship. For instance, "After years of dedication, she received the "most deserved" promotion."

Common error

Avoid using "most deserved" in contexts that are already highly emotional or sentimental, as it can come across as excessive or insincere. A more understated phrase may be more effective.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "most deserved" functions as an adjective modifier, intensifying the deserving nature of a noun. Ludwig AI confirms it is grammatically correct. It commonly modifies nouns like "award", "recognition", or "vacation", emphasizing that the subject truly earned or merited the associated outcome.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Science

15%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

3%

Wiki

2%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "most deserved" is a commonly used and grammatically correct adjective phrase that functions to emphasize the justification and merited nature of a noun. Ludwig AI affirms its proper usage. As the analysis of the examples shows, it is most frequently found in news and media contexts but can be used in various other forms of writing and speech, as well. While "most deserved" is generally suitable for neutral register, it's best to avoid overuse in overly sentimental writing. Alternatives such as "well-earned" and "highly merited" provide similar meanings. When using this phrase, it's important to consider the context and ensure that it appropriately conveys the sense of strong approval and validation.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

well-earned

A more common and concise alternative, highlighting effort.

best earned

Emphasizes the effort put in to warrant the outcome more strongly than "most deserved".

fairly won

Highlights the impartiality and equitability of the process leading to the outcome.

highly merited

Focuses on the inherent worthiness of the recipient.

rightfully gained

Emphasizes the justness and legitimacy of obtaining something.

legitimately obtained

Stresses that the outcome was acquired through lawful or proper means.

fully justified

Highlights the fairness or righteousness of the outcome.

amply justified

Suggests that there is considerable support or reason for the outcome.

thoroughly warranted

Indicates a complete and unquestionable justification.

richly warranted

Similar to 'fully justified', but suggests a greater degree of entitlement.

FAQs

How can I use "most deserved" in a sentence?

You can use "most deserved" to emphasize that an outcome or reward was truly earned. For example, "The award was the "most deserved" recognition for her years of service."

What are some alternatives to saying "most deserved"?

Alternatives include "well-earned", "highly merited", or "fully justified" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to say "most deserved" or "best deserved"?

"Most deserved" is generally preferred and more common. While "best deserved" is understandable, it's less idiomatic. "Most" here implies a high degree of deserving, while "best" usually refers to a superior quality.

What's the difference between "most deserving" and "most deserved"?

"Most deserving" describes someone who is worthy of something before they receive it (e.g., "She is the "most deserving" candidate"). "Most deserved" describes something they have already received and earned (e.g., "It was the "most deserved" recognition").