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

Nine million pensioners in England and Wales with an annual income of £35,000 or less will now be eligible and can expect their payment in the coming weeks.

From BBC

Ethan Brown was informed in September 2024 that he had not been awarded a grade for one of his courses by the University of Glasgow, which meant he would not be eligible to graduate.

From BBC

The scheme reopens in October 2025, with electricity suppliers applying the discount directly to bills of those eligible, which usually happens automatically.

From BBC

"The most important thing is for those eligible to get their vaccination when it is due."

From BBC

But the state turned down the request because only populated areas were eligible.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• acceptable 
• likely 
• qualified 
• suitable