ineligible

1 of 2

adjective

in·​el·​i·​gi·​ble (ˌ)i-ˈne-lə-jə-bəl How to pronounce ineligible (audio)
Synonyms of ineligiblenext
: not eligible: such as
a
: not qualified for an office or position
b
: not permitted under football rules to catch a forward pass
an ineligible receiver
ineligibility
(ˌ)i-ˌne-lə-jə-ˈbi-lə-tē How to pronounce ineligible (audio)
noun
ineligible noun

ineligibility

2 of 2

noun

in·​eligibility (¦)in How to pronounce ineligibility (audio)
ən+
: the condition or fact of being ineligible

Examples of ineligible in a Sentence

Adjective Previously ineligible patients may now be able to participate in the study. They are ineligible for a loan.
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.
Adjective
The program has been a key pillar of his efforts to cull potentially ineligible voters from state rolls. — Bill Barrow, Los Angeles Times, 30 June 2026 Twice before in the past year, a judge has ordered Blake Rakela to remain ineligible for bail pending trial. — Rosalio Ahumada, Sacbee.com, 30 June 2026 His lawyer vowed to fight the NFL’s decision, while the quarterback remains ineligible to play in college. — Chris Branch, New York Times, 24 June 2026 Any small gift or reward from the charity makes the entire contribution ineligible for a QCD. — Bob Carlson, Forbes.com, 26 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for ineligible

Word History

Etymology

Adjective

French inéligible, from in- + éligible eligible

First Known Use

Adjective

1770, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of ineligible was in 1770

Rhymes for ineligible

See All Rhymes for ineligible

Browse Nearby Words

ineligibility
ineligible
ineligible paper
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Ineligible.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/ineligible. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.

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Kids Definition

ineligible

adjective
in·​el·​i·​gi·​ble (ˈ)in-ˈel-ə-jə-bəl How to pronounce ineligible (audio)
: not qualified to be chosen or used
ineligibility
(ˌ)in-ˌel-ə-jə-ˈbil-ət-ē How to pronounce ineligible (audio)
noun
ineligible noun

More from Merriam-Webster on ineligible

Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for ineligible

Nglish: Translation of ineligible for Spanish Speakers

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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