Deserved (7)
'deserved' is the definition.
(I know that deserved can be written as merited)
This is the entire clue.
(Other definitions for merited that I've seen before include "Properly earned or deserved" , "Deresved" , "appropriate" , "Was worthy" .)
'deserved' is the definition.
(I've seen this in another clue)
This is the entire clue.
(Other definitions for earned that I've seen before include "Got from paid employment merited" , "Obtained through work" , "Gained by labour" , "Merited through work" , "Gained by working" .)
'deserved' is the definition.
('rate' can be a synonym of 'deserve')
This is the entire clue.
(Other definitions for rated that I've seen before include "Castigated" , "Reckoned" , "Assessed in trade" , "Was worthy of" , "Admired" .)
'deserved' is the definition.
(I've seen this before)
This is all the clue.
(Other definitions for well-earned that I've seen before include "Thoroughly deserved" , "Justified" .)