# established

/ɪˈstæbɫɪʃt/ (US) · /ɪstˈæblɪʃt/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/established
Updated: 2026-06-19

## Senses

### 1. well-known and accepted

adjective · CEFR B2

having existed for a long time and being respected or accepted by most people.

For teachers: having been in existence for a significant period and consequently recognised as authoritative or generally accepted.

- She is an established artist whose paintings are sold in galleries all over the world.
- The company is an established leader in the telecommunications sector, having maintained a dominant market share for over three decades.

### 2. official or state-supported

adjective · CEFR C1 · Formal

officially recognised by a government or state, especially a church.

For teachers: formally recognised by a state as being the official institution within that jurisdiction, particularly regarding religious bodies.

- The Church of England is the established church in the United Kingdom.
- The legal privileges of the established church were a subject of intense parliamentary debate during the nineteenth century.

### 3. part of the power structure

adjective · CEFR C1 · Academic

belonging to the group of people who have power and influence in a society.

For teachers: integrated into the 'establishment' or the social and economic groups that hold traditional power.

- The young politician tried to win votes by attacking established political parties.
- The movement sought to challenge established economic interests that had long dictated the city's urban development policies.

## Examples

- The family established their business over fifty years ago.
- The new government established a department dedicated to environmental protection and sustainable energy.
- By publishing several groundbreaking papers in quick succession, the researcher established herself as a leading authority on quantum mechanics within the academic community.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.