entitlement

[ en-tahy-tl-muhnt ]

noun

1. the act of giving, or the state of having, a title, right, or claim to something:

   She supported legislation to improve the lot of the elderly, including the entitlement of senior citizens to vote by absentee ballot.

2. a provision, amount, etc., to which one is entitled; a right:

   A good education is the moral entitlement of every child.

   Temporary teachers receive most of the entitlements of permanent teachers, including annual salary, on a prorated basis.

3. a government program, such as Social Security or unemployment insurance, that provides a benefit to eligible participants, or the benefit provided by such a program:

   Eligibility for this insurance program will be affected if there is also a Medicare entitlement.

4. the unjustified assumption that one has a right to certain advantages, preferential treatment, etc.:

   "Their sense of entitlement—I don't want to call it arrogance—makes dealing with some people difficult,'' said the senator.

Word History and Origins

Origin of entitlement¹

First recorded in 1825–35; entitle + -ment

Example Sentences

Stuart Dyer, from the council's education department, told the court: "It is always essential a parent ensures their child's attendance to receive their full-time educational entitlement and maximise their chances and reach their full potential."

From BBC

When she does speak, during a pivotal moment in Edward Berger’s film, it’s from a place of truth, rather than authority or entitlement.

From Los Angeles Times

These Trumpists, like the much larger mass of them in all parts of the United States, radiated entitlement and menace.

From Salon

"At the end of the day, it's your money, it’s not the government's money, so if you've got any entitlement to a refund then absolutely take it," she said.

From BBC

They were hiring a supervisor who understands entitlement.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• advantage
• allowance
• authority
• authorization
• benefit
• concession
• due
• exemption
• freedom
• immunity
• license
• opportunity
• prerogative
• right