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

You may not be automatically entitled to the full transaction history, but you are generally entitled to confirmation of the balance as of the date of death.

From MarketWatch • May 19, 2026

Anyone who makes an allegation of rape is entitled to anonymity by law.

From BBC • May 18, 2026

Earlier in 2025, it was forced to issue several apologies for "serious flaws" in the making of another documentary entitled "Gaza: How To Survive A Warzone", broadcast last February.

From Barron's • May 18, 2026

Under EQT’s latest proposal, Intertek shareholders would get 60 pounds in cash and be entitled to keep 107.7 pence a share previously declared by the company, or 61.08 pounds a share in total.

From The Wall Street Journal • May 12, 2026

I used to not want to call them shrinks, but now that I’ve been through so many, I feel entitled to it.

From "It’s Kind of a Funny Story" by Ned Vizzini

Related Words

• honored
• powerful