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. not fit or qualified

   ineligible for a grant

   ineligible to vote

noun

1. an ineligible person

Other Word Forms

• ineligibility noun
• ineligibly adverb
• ineligibleness noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of ineligible¹

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

Example Sentences

All of the properties deemed a public nuisance had either opted out of the federal debris removal program, or were deemed ineligible.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

Willis, meanwhile, is ineligible following news of his impending move to France.

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Most are ineligible for unemployment benefits, but in certain circumstances and in certain states, they can receive them.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

England have previously confirmed that any players who join R360's global circuit, like any other stars based overseas, will be ineligible for Test selection.

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Contrary to Republican assertions, undocumented immigrants are ineligible for Medicaid, Children’s Health Insurance Program or Medicare, or coverage through the Affordable Care Act, though California state law requires they receive emergency services.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• unavailable 
• unfit 
• unqualified 
• unsuitable