What does coveted mean?
Coveted describes something that is intensely desired by many people, typically because it is valuable, rare, or prestigious. It appears most often before nouns such as awards, prizes, trophies, positions, and titles — phrases like "the most coveted award" or "a coveted spot on the team" are common in journalism and everyday speech. The word derives from the verb "to covet," meaning to wish earnestly for something that belongs to another; while "coveting" often carries a moral warning (as in the biblical commandment against it), "coveted" itself is purely complimentary, signalling that the thing described is worth wanting. Its Latin ancestry connects it to words of desire such as "cupidity" and even the name Cupid. For writers, "coveted" efficiently conveys both high value and competition: whatever is coveted is something many people want and only a few can have.
adjectiveStrongly desired or longed for by many people; eagerly wished for as something valuable or prized.
- (Of a thing) greatly desired by many people; eagerly wished for because it is valuable, rare, or prestigious.
"The coveted trophy was awarded to the team that had dominated the season."
"She landed one of the most coveted seats on the board."
"Winning the coveted blue ribbon at the county fair took years of practice."
The word "coveted" descends from the same Latin root that gave us Cupid, the god of desire — so when you win a coveted prize, desire itself has chosen you.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Etymology of coveted
Coveted comes from the verb "covet," which entered Middle English from Old French "coveitier," ultimately derived from Latin "cupiditas" (desire), from "cupere" (to desire). The same Latin root gives English "cupidity," the name "Cupid," and "concupiscence." Used as a past participle, "coveted" became established as an adjective meaning "much desired," a usage common by the early modern period and flourishing in modern English.
Related word forms
How coveted is actually used
Used almost exclusively of things rather than people; carries a positive connotation of prestige and value. Commonly applied to awards, titles, positions, and collectibles. As the past participle of the verb "covet," it is grammatically an adjective in modern usage.
Easily confused with coveted
"Coveted" describes the thing that is desired, while "covetous" describes a person who desires things too eagerly or greedily.