entitlement
n.-
1 a legal right (n.) B2 Upper Intermediate Formal Lawthe official right to have or do something, often based on a law or a contract.
the legal or official right to receive a benefit or service, often established by statute or contract.
ExampleYour holiday entitlement increases after you have worked for the company for three years.
ExampleThe legal team reviewed the contract to determine the employee's exact entitlement regarding severance pay and stock options.
UsageOften followed by the preposition 'to'.
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2 government benefits (n.) B2 Upper Intermediate Academic Politicsa government programme that provides money or help to people who meet certain rules.
a government-funded programme or payment that guarantees support to citizens who meet specific eligibility criteria.
ExampleThe government is debating whether to reduce spending on healthcare entitlements.
ExampleEconomists warned that the rising cost of age-related entitlements would place an unsustainable burden on the national budget over the next decade.
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3 feeling of deserving more (n.) C1 Advanced Informalthe feeling that you are better than others and deserve special treatment without working for it.
a subjective belief that one is inherently deserving of privileges or special treatment, often used pejoratively.
ExampleHis sense of entitlement made it very difficult for him to work in a team.
ExampleThe manager noted that the new intern's sense of entitlement was alienating the senior staff, who expected a more humble approach to learning.
Teacher's tipIn modern social commentary, this sense is frequently used to criticise younger generations or wealthy individuals.
From entitle + -ment.