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

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

However, New Zealand and Ireland, like England, only select players playing in their domestic league, meaning that any players who join a rebel league would be ineligible under current policy.

From BBC

Athletic administrator Victoria Sanders said she was uncertain why the players were declared ineligible.

From Los Angeles Times

The team would still be able to play if any players are found ineligible this week.

From Los Angeles Times

Mr Cruickshank said he heard about the Elizabeth Emblem through his sister, but later found she was ineligible to apply as she was not the first-born child.

From BBC

Related Words

• unavailable
• unfit
• unqualified
• unsuitable