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.

---

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

Estonian troops, as well as the Estonian Defense League, a volunteer force established to help support the small country’s regular military, frequently use the facility to test drones and counterdrone electronic warfare.

From The Wall Street Journal • May 28, 2026

The Tuvalu Trust Fund was established in 1987 with help from Australia, New Zealand and the United Kingdom, providing crucial revenue to a nation reliant on foreign aid.

From Barron's • May 28, 2026

However, the vast majority of cyber-attacks use long established and simpler methods without needing to find new bugs.

From BBC • May 27, 2026

Regulated utilities offer exactly that, along with transmission access, established regulatory relationships and the rights of way that new entrants cannot easily replicate.

From MarketWatch • May 27, 2026

“Not just any Guardian. She and the other eleven established Uhuru and freed hundreds of Remarkables and Unremarkables from slavery. She’s a legend.”

From "The Manifestor Prophecy" by Angie Thomas

Related Words

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