entitlement

noun

en·​ti·​tle·​ment in-ˈtī-tᵊl-mənt 

en-

1

a

: the state or condition of being entitled : right

b

: a right to benefits specified especially by law or contract

2

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

3

: a government program providing benefits to members of a specified group

also : funds supporting or distributed by such a program

Synonyms of entitlement

• subsidy
• grant
• allotment
• appropriation

Examples of entitlement in a Sentence

my entitlement to a refund

celebrities who have an arrogant sense of entitlement

entitlements such as medical aid for the elderly and poor

Recent Examples on the Web

Three years ago, when Justin was just 18, the band engaged in a vicious, victorious legal battle with their financial backer, who was making profits beyond his entitlement. —Jen Vafidis, Pitchfork, 1 Mar. 2026

As with anything that has lasted for a long time, this seems like the natural order of things — an entitlement, not chronological luck. —Megan McArdle, Washington Post, 1 Mar. 2026

The developer was tapped by New York Life, the Alpharetta mall’s owner, to pursue redevelopment entitlements and oversee predevelopment preparation. —Zachary Hansen, AJC.com, 26 Feb. 2026

This can foster a sense of entitlement in the child and prevent them from developing the skills needed to take initiative and responsibility. —Jazmin Towe, Parents, 22 Feb. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1782, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Legal Definition

entitlement

noun

en·​ti·​tle·​ment

1

: the state or condition of being entitled : claim

evidence of victim's entitlement to money seized

—National Law Journal

2

: a right to benefits that is granted especially by law or contract (as an insurance policy)

Note: Some courts have held that entitlements are a property interest and therefore subject to procedural due process under the Fifth and Fourteenth Amendments to the U.S. Constitution when denied by federal or state governments.

3

: a government program that provides benefits to members of a group that has a statutory entitlement

also : the benefits distributed by such a program