entitlement

noun

en·​ti·​tle·​ment in-ˈtī-tᵊl-mənt How to pronounce entitlement (audio)
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

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
These examples are automatically compiled from online sources to illustrate current usage. Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Indeed, the presidential election campaign shows that either party is more likely to enlarge rather than control future dollar flows into entitlements programs. Milton Ezrati, Forbes, 24 Oct. 2024 The Cruise Passenger Bill of Rights is a critical document that outlines these entitlements. Kyle J. Russell, USA TODAY, 12 Oct. 2024 My main bipartisan proposal would be to reduce this spending by phasing out our welfare and entitlement programs and returning this money to the people in the form of a universal basic income of $16,000 per year for every American 21 and older. Kaitlyn Schallhorn, Orange County Register, 4 Oct. 2024 Brooke’s journey is a poignant reminder that, for most people, entitlement is not an identity but a trap. Tope Folarin, The Atlantic, 12 Sep. 2024 See all Example Sentences for entitlement 

Word History

First Known Use

1782, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Time Traveler
The first known use of entitlement was in 1782

Dictionary Entries Near entitlement

Cite this Entry

“Entitlement.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/entitlement. Accessed 8 Nov. 2024.

Legal Definition

entitlement

noun
en·​ti·​tle·​ment
1
: the state or condition of being entitled : claim
evidence of victim's entitlement to money seizedNational 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

More from Merriam-Webster on entitlement

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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