If you’ve searched for the coveted meaning, you’re probably wondering why this word appears so often in books, news articles, job descriptions, awards, and everyday conversations.
While coveted sounds sophisticated, its meaning is surprisingly simple and useful in both formal and casual English.
Whether someone wins a coveted award, lands a coveted job, or owns a coveted collectible, the word highlights something that many people strongly want.
Understanding how to use it correctly can make your writing and speaking sound more natural and expressive.
Quick Answer Box
| Topic | Answer |
|---|---|
| Meaning | Strongly desired or greatly wanted by many people. |
| Definition | Describes something that people eagerly wish to have or achieve. |
| Word Type | Adjective |
| Common Contexts | Jobs, awards, homes, schools, collectibles, luxury products, achievements |
| Tone | Positive and respectful |
| Formal or Informal | Mostly formal but widely used in everyday English |
| Alternative Meanings | None. The meaning stays consistent across contexts. |
What Does Coveted Mean?
The coveted meaning is something that is highly desired because it is valuable, rare, prestigious, or difficult to obtain.
People use coveted to emphasize that many individuals wish they could own, receive, or achieve something.
Unlike simply saying something is “wanted,” coveted suggests a much stronger level of admiration and desire.
For example:
- A coveted scholarship
- A coveted leadership position
- A coveted championship trophy
- A coveted beachfront home
Each example implies that many people wanted the same thing.
Definition of Coveted
Coveted is the past participle of the verb covet, but in modern English it is most commonly used as an adjective.
Dictionary-style definition
Coveted (adjective): Highly desired, eagerly sought after, or greatly admired by many people.
The word often describes opportunities, possessions, awards, achievements, and positions that are considered valuable.
Origin and Etymology
The word coveted comes from the verb covet, which traces back to the Old French word coveitier, meaning to desire eagerly.
Its roots go even further to the Latin word cupiditas, meaning strong desire or longing.
Historically, covet sometimes carried a negative meaning, especially when referring to wanting something that belongs to another person. Today, however, coveted is usually neutral or positive and simply refers to something many people wish to have.
Why Is the Word Coveted So Popular?
The word appears frequently because it quickly communicates three important ideas:
- High value
- Strong demand
- Prestige
Writers, journalists, and marketers use it to show that something is difficult to obtain and admired by many people.
Examples include:
- Coveted university admission
- Coveted internship
- Coveted award
- Coveted luxury watch
- Coveted collector’s edition
How to Use Coveted Correctly
The adjective usually appears before a noun.
Examples include:
- She earned a coveted promotion after years of hard work.
- The actor received a coveted film award.
- The company offers one of the industry’s most coveted internships.
- That neighborhood has become a coveted place to live.
- He finally bought the coveted sports car he had dreamed about.
In every example, the object is considered valuable or desirable by many people.
Common Examples in Everyday English
Education
- She received a coveted scholarship.
- He earned a coveted place at a top university.
Careers
- They competed for a coveted executive position.
- Landing that internship is highly coveted.
Sports
- Winning the championship trophy is a coveted achievement.
- Every athlete dreams of the coveted gold medal.
Entertainment
- The movie won a coveted award.
- Actors compete for coveted leading roles.
Luxury and Collectibles
- It is one of the most coveted watches in the world.
- The rare comic book has become a coveted collectible.
Coveted vs Similar Words
| Word | Meaning | Difference |
|---|---|---|
| Coveted | Highly desired by many people | Emphasizes prestige and demand |
| Desired | Wanted | General and less powerful |
| Prized | Highly valued | Focuses more on value than demand |
| Sought-after | Popular and in demand | Very close in meaning |
| Cherished | Deeply loved | Focuses on emotional attachment |
| Valuable | Worth a lot | Doesn’t necessarily mean many people want it |
Common Synonyms of Coveted
Depending on the situation, you can replace coveted with:
- Highly desired
- Sought-after
- Prized
- In demand
- Valuable
- Prestigious
- Popular
- Desired
- Admired
- Treasured
Choose the synonym based on the context, as not every option carries the same level of prestige.
Common Mistakes People Make
Using it for ordinary objects
Incorrect:
I bought a coveted notebook.
Unless the notebook is rare or famous, coveted sounds exaggerated.
Better:
I bought a new notebook.
Confusing coveted with expensive
Something can be expensive without being coveted.
For example:
- An expensive office chair may not be highly desired.
- A limited-edition sneaker can be both expensive and coveted.
Using it when only one person wants something
The word usually implies that many people desire it, not just one individual.
When Should You Use Coveted?
Use coveted when describing something that is:
- Rare
- Prestigious
- Difficult to obtain
- Highly respected
- Desired by many people
- Competitive to earn
It works especially well in:
- Professional writing
- Journalism
- Academic writing
- Marketing
- News articles
- Personal statements
When Should You Avoid Using Coveted?
Avoid the word when talking about:
- Everyday household items
- Common purchases
- Ordinary events
- Objects with little demand
- Situations where prestige is absent
Using coveted too often can weaken its impact.
Is Coveted Positive or Negative?
Today, coveted is generally viewed as a positive adjective.
However, the related verb covet can sometimes carry a negative meaning if it suggests wanting something that belongs to someone else out of envy.
Examples:
Positive:
- She won the coveted award.
Potentially negative:
- He covets his neighbor’s luxury car.
The adjective is much more common than the verb in everyday English.
Is Coveted Formal or Informal?
Coveted fits best in:
- Professional communication
- Business writing
- Newspapers
- Magazines
- Academic content
- Marketing copy
It also appears naturally in everyday conversations when discussing achievements, careers, or valuable possessions.
FAQs:
What is the simple coveted meaning?
It means highly desired or greatly wanted, especially by many people.
Is coveted a positive word?
Yes. It usually describes something prestigious, valuable, or admired.
Can a person be coveted?
Yes. Someone may describe a highly skilled employee, athlete, or performer as coveted, although the word more commonly describes opportunities or possessions.
What is a synonym for coveted?
Common synonyms include sought-after, prized, highly desired, prestigious, and in demand.
What is the opposite of coveted?
Possible antonyms include:
- Undesirable
- Unwanted
- Ignored
- Unpopular
- Rejected
Is coveted the same as desired?
Not exactly. Desired simply means wanted, while coveted suggests that many people strongly want something because it is valuable or prestigious.
Can coveted describe jobs?
Absolutely. Phrases like coveted position, coveted internship, and coveted promotion are very common.
Conclusion:
Understanding the coveted meaning helps you recognize one of English’s most expressive adjectives for describing something that people genuinely admire and want.
Whether you’re talking about a prestigious award, a dream job, an elite university, or a rare collectible, coveted conveys more than simple desire it highlights value, exclusivity, and widespread appeal.
As you expand your vocabulary, using coveted in the right context will make your writing clearer, more polished, and more engaging.
The next time you see someone mention a coveted opportunity or a coveted achievement, you’ll know it refers to something that many people aspire to obtain.
Rashid Ali is the mind behind Punssmile.com, where confusing slang and viral terms become simple to understand. He loves breaking down text meanings, chat abbreviations, and trending words in a fun, easy way. If you’ve ever wondered what a word really means in a message, you’re in the right place.
