Deserved (4-6)
'deserved' is the definition.
(I know that deserved can be written as merited)
This is all the 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 before)
This is all the 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 all the 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" .)