entitlement
Entitlement (noun) means the right to receive or do something. Example: “Voting is a legal entitlement for every adult citizen.”
How to Use Entitlement
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishA right you have — either to a government payment, or, informally, an unearned sense that you deserve more than others.
Word Forms
entitlements plural
Fill the Gap
Can you complete this real example?
Voting is a legal _____ for every adult citizen.
Etymology
Built from "entitle" plus the suffix "-ment," which turns a verb into a noun describing the state or result of that action.
Synonyms
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Rhymes for entitlement
Frequently Asked Questions
What does “entitlement” mean?
The word “entitlement” means the right to receive or do something. In plain terms, a right you have — either to a government payment, or, informally, an unearned sense that you deserve more than others.
How do you pronounce “entitlement”?
“Entitlement” is pronounced uhn-TEYE-tuhl-muhnt (/ənˈtaɪtəlmənt/ in IPA).
How do you use “entitlement” in a sentence?
Here is “entitlement” used in a sentence: “Voting is a legal entitlement for every adult citizen.”
What part of speech is “entitlement”?
“Entitlement” is a noun.
Is “entitlement” a common word?
“Entitlement” is an uncommon word in modern English.
How many meanings does “entitlement” have?
“Entitlement” has 3 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: the right to receive or do something.
What is the difference between entitlement and right?
A right is a broad, often moral or legal claim that a person is due, such as the right to free speech. Entitlement is more specific, often referring to a benefit or advantage someone qualifies for under a particular rule, program, or law, such as a pension entitlement.
What does entitlement mean in a government or welfare context?
In this context, an entitlement refers to a benefit paid to people who qualify under the law, such as a pension or social security payment, that the government is obligated to provide once eligibility is established.
Why is entitlement sometimes used as a negative personality trait?
Entitlement can describe an attitude in which a person believes they deserve special treatment or advantages without having earned them. This negative sense is common in phrases like "a sense of entitlement," criticizing someone's unjustified expectations.