coveted: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
B2Formal/Neutral
Quick answer
What does “coveted” mean?
Greatly desired or envied.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
Greatly desired or envied; strongly wanted.
Refers to something that is the object of intense ambition or desire, often because it is rare, prestigious, or confers status. It implies competition to obtain it.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant difference in meaning or usage. The adjective form is standard in both varieties.
Connotations
Identical connotations of high desirability and prestige.
Frequency
Similar frequency; perhaps slightly more common in formal US business and sports journalism.
Grammar
How to Use “coveted” in a Sentence
highly covetedmuch covetedmost coveteduniversally covetedwildly covetedVocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “coveted” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- It is wrong to covet your neighbour's new car.
- She secretly coveted the managerial position.
American English
- He coveted the corner office with the view.
- They coveted the lucrative contract for years.
adverb
British English
- N/A - not standard.
American English
- N/A - not standard.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Refers to market share, clients, executive positions, or industry awards that companies compete for.
Academic
Describes prestigious fellowships, research grants, professorships, or publication in top-tier journals.
Everyday
Used for limited-edition products, tickets to popular events, or highly desirable neighbourhoods.
Technical
Less common; could apply in game theory to a 'coveted resource' or in talent management to 'coveted skills'.
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “coveted”
- Mispronunciation: /koʊˈviːtɪd/ (incorrect). Misspelling: 'covetted'. Using it as a verb in present tense (*'I covet that award' is correct verb; 'the award is coveted' is correct adjective).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Not usually. While the verb 'to covet' can imply sinful or envious desire, the adjective 'coveted' is generally positive or neutral, describing something widely and legitimately desired.
It is uncommon and can sound objectifying. It's better used for positions, roles, or attributes associated with a person (e.g., 'a coveted role', 'his coveted skills'), not the person themselves.
'Popular' means liked by many. 'Coveted' means intensely wanted or strived for, often because it is scarce or confers high status. Something can be popular but not coveted (a popular song), and coveted but not widely popular (a niche academic award).
Stress is on the first syllable: KUV-it-id. In American English, the 't' in the middle often sounds like a soft 'd' (KUV-uh-did).
Greatly desired or envied.
Coveted is usually formal/neutral in register.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “the coveted crown”
- “a coveted feather in one's cap”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of a COVer with a shiny TEDdy bear on it – everyone wants to have that special, covered teddy bear.
Conceptual Metaphor
DESIRE IS HUNGER (to covet something), STATUS IS A PRIZE (a coveted award).
Practice
Quiz
In which sentence is 'coveted' used CORRECTLY?