eligibility

noun

el·​i·​gi·​bil·​i·​ty ˌe-lə-jə-ˈbi-lə-tē How to pronounce eligibility (audio)
: the quality or state of being eligible : fitness or suitability to be chosen, selected, or allowed to do something
The applicants must meet all requirements for eligibility.
… should "Shoeless Joe" Jackson, of "Black Sox" infamy, also be granted eligibility for the Hall of Fame?—David A. Kaplan
Mass mailings go out to low-income areas, and if a letter is returned as undeliverable, the party uses it to challenge that voter's eligibility.—Sasha Abramsky

Examples of eligibility in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Schieffelin, who played football last season because had used up his basketball eligibility, used his bulky frame to grab eight rebounds on an 11-point night. — Barry Jackson, Miami Herald, 7 July 2026 The newest 23rd season of the show qualified for Emmys, but its last two episodes fell outside the eligibility window, so while the show is eligible, those two specific episodes will have to wait for next year. — Antonia Blyth, Deadline, 6 July 2026 To that end, the NCAA stresses its Division I cabinet unanimously agreed to the new eligibility rules and to how athletes would be affected by them. — Michael McCann, Sportico.com, 7 July 2026 This law converted existing scholarship programs into universal education savings accounts, while at the same time removing income eligibility limits. — Kendall Deas, The Conversation, 6 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for eligibility

Word History

First Known Use

1651, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of eligibility was in 1651

Phrases Containing eligibility

Rhymes for eligibility

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Browse Nearby Words

elidible
eligibility
eligible
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Cite this Entry

“Eligibility.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/eligibility. Accessed 10 Jul. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on eligibility

Nglish: Translation of eligibility for Spanish Speakers

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