eligible

[el-i-juh-buhl]

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.

noun

1. a person or thing that is eligible.

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

eligible

/ 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

Other Word Forms

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

Word History and Origins

Origin of eligible¹

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

Word History and Origins

Origin of eligible¹

C15: from Late Latin ēligibilis able to be chosen, from ēligere to _elect

Example Sentences

In England, the National Health Service issued a “flu jab SOS,” urging those eligible for the free vaccine to get it quickly and protect themselves this winter.

Read more on Salon

Instead they say only men with specific genetic mutations that lead to more aggressive tumours should be eligible.

Read more on BBC

The chancellor said it was time to "reduce generous taxpayer subsidies" to the scheme, which allows eligible disabled people to lease vehicles that can be adapted to their needs.

Read more on BBC

As a result, Parkinson is eligible to play for Japan, Singapore and current home country Portugal - but she has spent her youth career with England.

Read more on BBC

Some workers who get severance packages may also not be eligible immediately.

Read more on MarketWatch

Related Words

• acceptable 
• likely 
• qualified 
• suitable