Showing results for "established"

• past tense form of establish.
• past participle of establish.

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

Since making his UFC debut as a 20-year-old in 2012, Holloway has established himself as one of the sport's stars and looks set to eventually earn a place in the Hall of Fame.

From BBC • Jul. 12, 2026

"They are pushing increasingly further north, thanks to climate change," Battiston explains, adding that established populations are now regularly being reported by members of the public in parks and gardens.

From Science Daily • Jul. 11, 2026

After failing to qualify for Euro 2012, the Norwegian Football Federation established Landslagsskolen, known as the NTS, in 2013.

From BBC • Jul. 11, 2026

Because telmisartan is taken by mouth, has an established safety record, and is well tolerated even by people without hypertension, researchers believe it is well suited for rapid testing in cancer patients.

From Science Daily • Jul. 11, 2026

“I established a protocol of secrecy disguised as an air of mystery. My counsel is the reason this venue moves from location to location unannounced. It benefits both players.”

From "The Night Circus" by Erin Morgenstern

Related Words

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