established

American  

[ih-stab-lisht] / ɪˈstæb lɪʃt /

adjective

1. founded, built, or brought into existence.

   The organization is getting ready to announce the first recipient of a newly established award recognizing outstanding service to the community.

2. settled or installed relatively permanently in a position, place, business, etc..

   The resort is a long established vacation destination with a strong reputation for delivering high-quality personal service to their guests.

3. proven valid or true.

   Knowledge about the venom of the spider that bit her is sparse, and there is no established treatment for it.

4. accepted or recognized.

   More recent research, however, contradicts the established narrative.

   Experimental psychology is an established field with a long history of research involving humans.

5. firm or settled in habit or condition.

   Her established dislike of poetry meant she rarely received it for review.

6. brought about, appointed, enacted, or ordained.

   Requirements include being covered by federally established health insurance, such as Medicare or Medicaid.

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verb

1. the simple past tense and past participle of establish.

Other Word Forms

• quasi-established adjective

Etymology

Origin of established

First recorded in 1350–1400; establish ( def. ) + -ed ² ( def. ) for the adjective senses; establish ( def. ) + -ed ¹ ( def. ) for the verb sense

Explanation

Something or someone well established is well known, totally trusted and usually has a proven track record of success. Becoming established doesn't happen overnight. You've got to put in the time and effort to prove yourself, make connections and build a good reputation. So it makes sense that this adjective is related to the verb establish, which means to "create, set up, or prove." Established is a handy word to know, especially when you're looking for a dentist — you probably won't want to try Dr. Lovedrill until his practice is more established.

Example Sentences

The free exhibition will showcase works by established, mid-career and emerging artists, with Alison Saar serving as the event’s signature artist.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 29, 2026

It noted he had established a mental health football team to support himself and others in the community and that his only previous conviction was a referral for common assault in 2005.

From BBC • Apr. 28, 2026

The deal, set to be announced Tuesday, will allow Jenner’s 818 to tap in to Sazerac’s established sales and distribution network, which markets its brands ranging from Svedka vodka to Goldschläger liqueur.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 28, 2026

Scientists are still working to understand why Neanderthals went extinct while Homo sapiens established a lasting presence in Europe.

From Science Daily • Apr. 28, 2026

Desiring control until the end, he was particularly emphatic that none of his “enemies” attend his funeral: those who he felt exploited him or with whom he’d established feuds.

From "Endgame" by Frank Brady

Related Words

• chartered
• completed
• founded
• incorporated
• initiated
• organized
• ratified
• set up
• settled