ineligible

[ in-el-i-juh-buhl ]

adjective

1. not eligible; not permitted or suitable:

   Employees are ineligible in this contest.

   Synonyms: unsuitable

2. legally disqualified to hold an office.
3. legally disqualified to function as a juror, voter, witness, etc., or to become the recipient of a privilege.

noun

1. a person who is ineligible, as a suitor or team member.

ineligible

/ ɪnˈɛlɪdʒəbəl /

adjective

1. often foll byfor or an infinitive not fit or qualified

   ineligible to vote

   ineligible for a grant

noun

1. an ineligible person

Derived Forms

• inˌeligiˈbility, noun
• inˈeligibly, adverb

Other Words From

• in·eli·gi·bili·ty in·eli·gi·ble·ness noun
• in·eli·gi·bly adverb

Word History and Origins

Origin of ineligible¹

First recorded in 1760–70; in- ³ + eligible

Example Sentences

This is the second time Narbonne’s football program has faced sanctions for ineligible players.

From Los Angeles Times

Many of them have modest private pensions which makes them ineligible for Pension Credit – and therefore ineligible for winter fuel payments - Unite said.

From BBC

It will be just another challenge and obstacle for the Gauchos, who had seven players declared ineligible before the playoffs began.

From Los Angeles Times

Winning tickets are nontransferable and anyone who attempts to pass on their ticket will be deemed ineligible from the lottery.

From Los Angeles Times

Arias asked city staff to find housing for the family, but their three dogs made them ineligible for the shelter available.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• unavailable
• unfit
• unqualified
• unsuitable