The quality or state of being deserved; the condition of something being rightfully earned or warranted.
From 'deserved' plus the '-ness' suffix creating an abstract noun. This rare formation expresses the abstract quality of merit and rightful claim.
Abstract nouns ending in '-ness' can sound awkward when stacked onto participles—deservedness feels slightly forced, which is why we usually say 'he merited it' rather than discussing 'the deservedness of his punishment.' Some grammatically valid words just feel better in theory than practice.
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