eligible

American  

[el-i-juh-buhl] / ˈɛl ɪ dʒə bəl /

adjective

1. fit or proper to be chosen; worthy of choice; desirable.

   to marry an eligible bachelor.

   Synonyms:

   suitable, fitting

   Antonyms:

   unacceptable, unsuitable, ineligible

2. meeting the stipulated requirements, as to participate, compete, or work; qualified.

3. legally qualified to be elected or appointed to office.

   eligible for the presidency.

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noun

1. a person or thing that is eligible.

   Among the eligibles, only a few are running for office.

eligible British  

/ ˈɛlɪdʒəbəl /

adjective

1. fit, worthy, or qualified, as for an office or function

2. desirable and worthy of being chosen, esp as a spouse

   an eligible young man

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Other Word Forms

• eligibility noun
• eligibleness noun
• eligibly adverb
• noneligible adjective

Etymology

Origin of eligible

First recorded in 1555–65; from Middle French or directly from Late Latin ēligibilis, equivalent to Latin ē- “out of, from” + lig- (combining form of leg-, stem of legere “to choose, select”) + -bilis “capable of, susceptible of, tending to”; e- ¹, -ible

Example Sentences

You should review your benefit status or contact the agency directly to determine whether you may now be eligible for benefits, either based on your own record or your husband’s.

From MarketWatch

In some smaller counties, most of those flagged were eligible to vote.

From Salon

Cambridgeshire district and city councils collaborated on the system which will identify those not claiming benefits they are entitled to and notify eligible families not receiving free school meals.

From BBC

He was ordered to serve a minimum of 40 years in prison before being considered for release and will not be eligible for parole until 2042.

From BBC

The measure which most sets apart the Jersey legislation from the rest of the British Isles concerns the manner in which those eligible for an assisted death can end their lives.

From BBC

Related Words

• acceptable
• likely
• qualified
• suitable