entitled

American  

[en-tahyt-ld] / ɛnˈtaɪt ld /

Rarely intitled

adjective

1. called by the title indicated.

   In my paper so entitled, I explore the idea that "Robust Democracy Is National Security."

2. having a right or legitimate claim to something.

   The inheritance passes to the legally entitled heir.

3. assuming or acting as though one has an innate right or claim to wealth, success, recognition, etc..

   I was so entitled and self-centered that I never noticed the injustices around me.

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verb

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

Other Word Forms

• unentitled
  adjective
• well-entitled
  adjective

Etymology

Origin of entitled

entitle ( def. ) + -ed ² ( def. )

Compare meaning

How does entitled compare to similar and commonly confused words? Explore the most common comparisons:

• titled vs. entitled

Explanation

The adjective entitled means you have a legal right to something. If you are entitled to your mother's house when she passes away, that means it's written in her will that she gave it to you. Entitled is often used in a more casual way, to mean "allowed." For example, volunteers at the park clean-up are entitled to the water and snacks at the pavilion. Sometimes, though, people feel they are entitled to special treatment because they think they are more worthy than others. This usage of entitled came from the mid 15th century, when it referred to giving someone the title of an estate or property.

Example Sentences

Beyond that, many think they are entitled to further financial restitution.

From Slate • May 28, 2026

By that date, people need to send the IRS paperwork essentially saying they’re entitled to a refund on penalties and interest if the IRS ultimately loses the case.

From MarketWatch • May 27, 2026

Rusty Hicks, chair of the California Democratic Party, said “every campaign is entitled to run the race that they believe matches their story,” even if that means questioning the party’s past performance.

From Los Angeles Times • May 24, 2026

Havana Docks had a long-term property agreement that entitled the company to operate the docks until 2004.

From The Wall Street Journal • May 21, 2026

I am entitled, after all, the entitled Jenna.

From "The Adoration of Jenna Fox" by Mary E. Pearson

Related Words

• honored
• powerful