eligible

American  

[el-i-juh-buhl] / ˈɛl ɪ dʒə bəl /

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.

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noun

1. a person or thing that is eligible.

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

eligible British  

/ 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

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Other Word Forms

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

Etymology

Origin of eligible

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

Example Sentences

Chubb “will act as the lead underwriter issuing policies for eligible vessels.”

From Barron's • Apr. 3, 2026

Nacua is one of four Rams 2023 draft picks eligible for an extension this offseason.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 2, 2026

Local authorities are expected to contact eligible households directly, inviting them to apply.

From BBC • Mar. 31, 2026

Mr. Woods, who turned 50 in December, is now eligible for PGA Tour Champions, the senior tour, and the pressure to do so for ratings must be significant.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 31, 2026

“I should not be surprised,” said Darcy, “if he were to give it up as soon as any eligible purchase offers.”

From "Pride and Prejudice" by Jane Austen

Related Words

• acceptable
• likely
• qualified
• suitable