noun
Uncommon
entitlement
uhn-TEYE-tuhl-muhnt
Entitlement (noun) means the right to receive or do something. Example: “Voting is a legal entitlement for every adult citizen.”
noun
1
The right to receive or do something.
"Voting is a legal entitlement for every adult citizen."
2
A government benefit paid to people who qualify under the law, such as a pension or social security.
"Entitlement spending makes up a large share of the national budget."
3
An attitude of believing you deserve special treatment.
"His sense of entitlement made him impossible to work with."
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.
Common pairings
sense of entitlement
entitlement program
legal entitlement
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Word forms
- Plural
- entitlements
Fill the gap
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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
View more →Related words
Rhymes for entitlement
cement
element
clement
movement
pavement
tenement
inclement
abatement
amusement
statement
agreement
excrement
See all 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.
