ENGLISH
REFERENCE

entitlement

n. C / U
B2 Upper Intermediate US //ɛnˈtaɪtəɫmənt// UK //ɛntˈaɪtəlmənt// en·ti·tle·ment

n. the belief that you deserve special treatment or benefits, often without working for them. It can also mean a legal right to receive something, like a government benefit.

n. a sense of deservingness, often implying an unreasonable expectation of privilege; alternatively, a formal right to receive a specific benefit or service. Typically uncountable in the psychological sense; countable when referring to specific legal or financial rights.


SIMPLE

He showed entitlement by expecting a free upgrade.

CONTEXTUAL

The company reviewed its employee entitlements, including health insurance and paid leave.

COMPLEX

Critics argue that the political class suffers from a deep sense of entitlement, believing their status justifies exemption from the rules that bind ordinary citizens.

Origin

From entitle + -ment.

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