Word
entitled
Phoneticsen·ti·tled, stress on the second syllable
US/ɛnˈtaɪtəɫd/
UK/ɛntˈaɪtəld/
Definitions
01having a right to something
B2 · Upper Intermediate
adj. having a legal or moral right to do or have something.
adj. possessing a legitimate legal or moral claim to a benefit or status.
“After working here for a year, you are entitled to three weeks of paid holiday.”
“Under the new legislation, citizens are entitled to full disclosure regarding how their personal data is processed by third-party vendors.”
Usage
Often followed by the preposition 'to'.
Synonyms
Antonyms
02demanding special treatment
C1 · Advanced Informal
adj. thinking you are better than others and deserve special treatment for no reason.
adj. characterised by a self-important or pretentious attitude; believing one deserves privileges without merit.
“The entitled customer shouted at the waiter because his table wasn't ready immediately.”
“The documentary explores the friction between the local community and the entitled influencers who treat the town like a private film set.”
Teaching tip
This is a very common modern criticism, especially when older generations talk about younger ones.
Synonyms
03to give a title
B2 · Upper Intermediate
v. to give a book, movie, or song a specific name.
v. to bestow a title upon a creative work or a person.
“She entitled her first novel 'The Long Walk Home'.”
“The author entitled the final chapter with a cryptic phrase that only made sense after the shocking conclusion.”
Usage
In modern English, 'titled' is often preferred for books and movies, though 'entitled' remains correct.
Real-World Examples
“Airlines have different policies on missed flights, so it’s worth finding out if you are entitled to a free rebooking or refund if your flight has operated.” “The thieves targeted the exhibition, entitled From Book to Museum, on its final day.” - Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.B2 FirstIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.5.5–6.5TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 4.0–4.572–94TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.785–944
- Frequency
- Common
- Level
- B2 · Upper Intermediate
- Updated
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englishreference.com/q/entitled