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

The SCP is just one example of how the Scottish Parliament's role has expanded since it was established in 1999.

From BBC • Apr. 11, 2026

For instance, the government established a route for researchers to quickly start testing drugs, rather than having to wait the months it takes to get cleared in the West.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 11, 2026

In 2023 they established a committee to explore changes to how lawyers are governed.

From Slate • Apr. 10, 2026

Friday's acts include standout emerging talent Teddy Swims and girl group KATSEYE, as well as established artists like Moby.

From Barron's • Apr. 10, 2026

Just as Bobby had fairly leaped into—and established residence at—the Manhattan Chess Club the previous summer, he soon became a regular presence at Collins’s salon.

From "Endgame" by Frank Brady

Related Words

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