ineligible

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

Examples of ineligible in a Sentence

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.
All three finished their entry-level contracts, but Gauthier is ineligible to receive an offer sheet. — Eric Stephens, New York Times, 5 July 2026 But the attorney for Walworth County said those seeking access to the records wanted to cross-check ineligible voters against the names of those registered. — Scott Bauer, Los Angeles Times, 7 July 2026 Last year, the show was ineligible after airing only four episodes within the eligibility window, which runs through May 31. — Clayton Davis, Variety, 8 July 2026 McDaniel was booked into the Sacramento County Main Jail on Wednesday and was ineligible for bail, records show. — Sharon Bernstein, Sacbee.com, 2 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for ineligible

Word History

Etymology

French inéligible, from in- + éligible eligible

First Known Use

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 10 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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