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

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

Robert Soutar, 76, of Fullerton, is a legal permanent resident of the United States, but because he is not a citizen, he is ineligible to vote.

From Los Angeles Times

But since then the council have told her she was ineligible for the scheme and asked her to return the money.

From BBC

Since she didn’t file enough legal signatures, she is ineligible to run and can’t win.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• unavailable
• unfit
• unqualified
• unsuitable