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

Derived Forms

• well-entitled
  adjective
• unentitled
  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

With his photo entitled 'The Vikings are coming', Yarrow snubbed the tradition of shooting players on airplane steps.

From BBC • Jun. 5, 2026

According to the Social Security Administration, “You may be entitled to monthly benefits retroactively for months before the month you filed an application for benefits,” the SSA says.

From MarketWatch • Jun. 2, 2026

Deborah sees Ava as entitled and self-righteous, Ava sees Deborah as washed-up and boring.

From Los Angeles Times • May 29, 2026

Bruckert and Andres, the former GM, said both women were rude and entitled and ran up excessive tabs for membership meetings that were billed to the club.

From The Wall Street Journal • May 28, 2026

In 1953 Alistair Crombie published a book entitled Robert Grosseteste and the Origins of Experimental Science.

From "The Invention of Science" by David Wootton

Related Words

• honored
• powerful