entitlement

noun en·ti·tle·ment \-ˈtī-t^əl-mənt\

: the condition of having a right to have, do, or get something

: the feeling or belief that you deserve to be given something (such as special privileges)

: a type of financial help provided by the government for members of a particular group

Full Definition of ENTITLEMENT

a : the state or condition of being entitled : right

b : a right to benefits specified especially by law or contract

: a government program providing benefits to members of a specified group; also : funds supporting or distributed by such a program

: belief that one is deserving of or entitled to certain privileges

See entitlement defined for English-language learners

1942

Synonyms: allocation, allotment, annuity, appropriation, grant, subsidy, subvention

Next Word in the Dictionary: entityPrevious Word in the Dictionary: entitleAll Words Near: entitlement

What made you want to look up entitlement? Please tell us where you read or heard it (including the quote, if possible).

Put-downs with flair

How to use a word that (literally) drives some people nuts.

Test your vocab with our fun, fast game

Ailurophobia, and 9 other unusual fears