Entitlement: meaning, definitions and examples

Used when discussing a guaranteed benefit or right that someone believes they deserve, often with a connotation of expectation or presumption. It can have a negative connotation if someone feels overly entitled.

• She has a sense of entitlement that can be quite off-putting.
• Employees are entitled to paid holiday leave.

Used to refer to a special right that is given to a person or group, often implying exclusivity or an advantage not available to others. It can have both positive and negative connotations depending on the context.

• It's a privilege to work on such an exciting project.
• They enjoy certain privileges because of their social status.

Used to describe something that is guaranteed by law, morality, or tradition, and is considered a fundamental entitlement. It is often used in discussions about human rights, civil rights, or legal rights.

• Everyone has the right to free speech.
• You have the right to remain silent.

Used when someone demands or asserts a right to something, especially in legal or formal contexts. The focus is on the act of asserting this right.

• He filed a claim for unemployment benefits.
• The customer made a claim for a refund.

This word is best used when referring to a sense of having a right to something, often without having earned it. It can have a negative connotation when describing someone's attitude.

• She felt a strong sense of entitlement to the family's wealth.
• His entitlement to special treatment annoyed his colleagues.

This word is appropriate when someone is asserting their right to something. It can be used in legal, insurance, and everyday contexts.

• She filed a claim for the lost baggage with the airline.
• He laid claim to the invention, although his role was minimal.

Use this term when referring to the formal right of ownership, especially in relation to property or professional rank. It is also used in the context of book or movie names.

• He holds the title to the house.
• The official title of the movie is 'The Last Journey'.

Use this term when talking about the official power or permission to do something. It's common in legal, business, and technical settings.

• The project cannot proceed without proper authorization.
• He received authorization to access the restricted area.