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

He’s also a kind, friendly future Tar Heel, something you can’t always say about lacrosse players who often feel they are either entitled or frustrated when people don’t pay enough attention to them.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 26, 2026

Am I not entitled to know my mother’s wishes and the details of the settlement of her estate as her other child?

From MarketWatch • Apr. 25, 2026

Eastern time on March 20 will be entitled to vote at the meeting on the merger with Paramount.

From Barron's • Apr. 23, 2026

"On the upside, if you're denied boarding, you're legally entitled to compensation, which for a flight to Malaga would be around £350. If your journey wasn't urgent that could be quite attractive," Spake says.

From BBC • Apr. 19, 2026

When we walked into math today, Mr. Mason handed out a ten-page package, copied back to back, entitled “A Course Review.”

From "Saints and Misfits" by S.K. Ali

Related Words

• honored
• powerful