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.
What about California citizens whose votes are being diluted by ineligible voters. — Kevin Rector, Los Angeles Times, 29 Oct. 2026 Kankakee, which forfeited a Week 5 game to Lincoln-Way West for using an ineligible player, has only lost on the field once this season, falling 22-14 to Lincoln-Way East in Week 2. — Steve Millar, Chicago Tribune, 29 Oct. 2026 Douglas County will make no further appeals to the GHSA’s ruling on two ineligible players, meaning the Tigers must forfeit three victories won in September, GHSA executive director Tim Scott confirmed Thursday. — Todd Holcomb, AJC.com, 29 Oct. 2026 Swimsuits without hygienic liners are ineligible for returns or exchanges. — Katie Decker-Jacoby, StyleCaster, 27 Oct. 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
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Cite this Entry

“Ineligible.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/ineligible. Accessed 1 Nov. 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

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