feel entitled

USAGE SUMMARY

'feel entitled' is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to express the idea that someone believes they have a right to something. For example, "He spoke angrily, as if he felt entitled to a more detailed explanation."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

"These people feel entitled," she said.

The New York Times

They feel entitled to extraordinary privileges.

The New Yorker

Why do they feel entitled to?

The New York Times

"They feel entitled and dismissive".

The Guardian

"But I don't feel entitled to know".

The New York Times

We don't feel entitled to anything".

The New York Times

Did she feel entitled after paying $30?

The New York Times - Style

I never wanted my kids to feel entitled.

The New York Times

They also, apparently, feel entitled to multibillion-dollar government bailouts.

The New Yorker

Why do 1stdibs dealers feel entitled to sky-high prices?

The New York Times

I do not feel entitled to that money.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "feel entitled" to express a subjective belief that one deserves something, especially when the justification for that belief is questionable or controversial.

Common error

Avoid using "feel entitled" to describe situations where someone is legitimately owed something. Instead, use it to highlight a perceived overestimation of one's due or a sense of unwarranted privilege.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "feel entitled" functions as a verb phrase, expressing a subjective belief that one deserves something. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and common usage. It often describes a sense of unwarranted privilege or expectation.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Science

15%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Academia

2%

Wiki

2%

Encyclopedias

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "feel entitled" is a common and grammatically sound way to express a belief that one deserves something, often with a negative connotation. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is frequently used in news and media to describe situations where individuals or groups are perceived to have an exaggerated sense of their own importance or deservingness. When using this phrase, be mindful of its critical tone and ensure it accurately reflects the context of unwarranted privilege or expectation. Alternatives such as "believe one deserves" or "expect as a right" can be used to convey similar meanings with slightly different emphasis.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

believe one deserves

Focuses on the belief in deserving something, removing the emotional aspect of "feel".

consider oneself worthy of

Emphasizes worthiness, implying a judgment of deservingness.

take as one's due

Highlights the act of claiming something as rightfully belonging to oneself.

expect as a right

Focuses on expectation based on perceived rights, removing the emotional component.

presume one's privilege

Highlights the assumption of privilege, implying a sense of superiority.

believe it's owed to them

Shifts the focus to the obligation of others to provide something.

assume entitlement

Emphasizes the assumption of having a right or privilege.

harbor a sense of deservingness

Focuses on the internal feeling of deservingness.

have a sense of entitlement

States the possession of entitlement rather than the feeling.

consider something their right

Highlights the belief that something is inherently one's right.

FAQs

How can I use "feel entitled" in a sentence?

You can use "feel entitled" to describe someone who believes they deserve special treatment or privileges. For example, "They "feel entitled" to preferential parking because of their status".

What's the difference between "feel entitled" and "be entitled"?

"Feel entitled" expresses a subjective belief, while "be entitled" suggests a legitimate right or qualification. "She "feels entitled" to a promotion" suggests she believes she deserves it, whereas "She "is entitled" to a promotion" means she has met the necessary criteria.

What are some alternatives to "feel entitled"?

Depending on the context, you could use phrases like "believe one deserves", "expect as a right", or "presume one's privilege". These alternatives can convey similar meanings with slightly different nuances.

When is it appropriate to use the phrase "feel entitled"?

It's appropriate when you want to convey that someone has an exaggerated or unjustified sense of deservingness. Be mindful of the negative connotation, as it often implies criticism or disapproval of that person's attitude.