entitlement

USAGE SUMMARY

"entitlement" is a correct word in written English.
It can be used to describe an individual's belief that they are owed certain rights or privileges because of their status, background, or position. For example, "John had an attitude of entitlement, believing he deserved special privileges because of his wealth."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

That says a lot about the state's attitude to the individual's innocence before he has been tried, but even more about the state's odd sense of entitlement to the essence of each person.

The Guardian - Opinion

He added: "With the fully flexible Isa, people will have complete freedom to take money out and put it back in later in the year, without losing any of their tax-free entitlement".

The Guardian - Money

The broadcasters' fury nearly matches their greed and abiding sense of entitlement.

The Guardian - Opinion

Nestlé chair Peter Brabeck talks to Jo Confino about the need to build water stewardship into core business strategy and how a sense of entitlement causes irresponsible use.

The Guardian

However, children's social care is still based on a complex web of legislation – which leaves a postcode lottery where entitlement is difficult to understand and time is wasted arguing about whether a child is eligible for social care.

The Guardian

The current system of policing and enforcing the entitlement of foreign nationals to free NHS care is chaotic and often out of control.

The Guardian

In all, 83% are women and 45% have no entitlement to weekly rest periods or paid annual leave.

The Guardian

There is no entitlement to a refund where GNM is forced to cancel part or all of a Guardian Masterclass due to reasons beyond our reasonable control.

The Guardian

Few people are aware of the entitlement and this is compounded by entrenched resistance to it in the health system.

The Guardian

"If they have the feeling of being left out, or have a sense of entitlement that they deserve such a project, they might very well vote in favour," a local source told the Guardian.

The Guardian - Arts

"I saw mainly older men, with rightwing politics, and a real sense of entitlement – that they just deserved to get people's support, regardless of their politics, and how they operated".

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "entitlement", be mindful of the negative connotations it can carry, particularly when implying an unjustified sense of deservingness. Instead of focusing on the perceived right, emphasize the reason for deserving that right.

Common error

Avoid using "entitlement" when a simple "right" is more appropriate. "Entitlement" often implies a claim to benefits or services, while "right" can refer to broader moral or legal claims.

Linguistic Context

The noun "entitlement" functions as a subject, object, or complement in a sentence, denoting a right, claim, or benefit one is believed to deserve. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is commonly used and grammatically correct.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

55%

Formal & Business

25%

Science

20%

Less common in

Wiki

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Academic

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The analysis indicates that "entitlement" is a grammatically sound and frequently used noun that conveys a right or perceived right to something. According to Ludwig AI, the word is correct in written English and accurately reflects its dictionary definitions. It appears most commonly in news and media, and the register can vary from neutral in formal contexts to potentially negative in everyday conversations, depending on whether it suggests a justifiable right or an unwarranted sense of deservingness. Recognizing this distinction is key to using "entitlement" effectively and appropriately. As confirmed by Ludwig, its use follows standard grammar rules.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

legal right

More specific, emphasizing the legal basis of the right.

vested right

Emphasizes that the right is secured and cannot be easily taken away.

due

Simpler and less formal way of saying something is owed or deserved.

privilege

Similar, but often implies a benefit that is not universally accessible.

prerogative

Suggests a right or privilege exclusive to a particular individual or class.

claim

Highlights the act of asserting a right or demand.

eligibility

Focuses on meeting the requirements to receive something.

access

Emphasizes the ability to obtain or use something.

advantage

Suggests a favorable position or opportunity.

concession

Implies something granted or yielded, often reluctantly.

FAQs

How is "entitlement" used in a sentence?

The word "entitlement" can describe a right or benefit one is believed to deserve. For example, "Employees have an "entitlement" to paid time off."

What are some synonyms for "entitlement"?

Alternatives for "entitlement" include "legal right", "vested right", and "due". The best choice depends on the specific context.

Is it correct to say someone has a "sense of entitlement"?

Yes, the phrase "sense of entitlement" is commonly used to describe someone who believes they deserve special treatment or privileges.

What's the difference between "entitlement" and "privilege"?

"Entitlement" suggests a right or deserved benefit, while "privilege" implies a special advantage or favor that is not universally available. One may have an "entitlement" to healthcare, but enjoy the "privilege" of accessing a VIP service.