ineligible

adjective

in·​el·​i·​gi·​ble (ˌ)i-ˈne-lə-jə-bəl How to pronounce ineligible (audio)
: not eligible: such as
a
: not qualified for an office or position
b
: not permitted under football rules to catch a forward pass
an ineligible receiver
ineligible noun

Examples of ineligible in a Sentence

Previously ineligible patients may now be able to participate in the study. They are ineligible for a loan.
Recent Examples on the Web United Way did not notify those who were determined ineligible. Kendrick Calfee, Kansas City Star, 20 May 2024 Last fall, the County Equity Oversight Panel sustained complaints in both cases and recommended Villanueva — who had been voted out of office by that point — be deemed ineligible for rehire. Keri Blakinger, Los Angeles Times, 16 May 2024 See all Example Sentences for ineligible 

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'ineligible.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

French inéligible, from in- + éligible eligible

First Known Use

1770, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of ineligible was in 1770

Dictionary Entries Near ineligible

Cite this Entry

“Ineligible.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/ineligible. Accessed 23 May. 2024.

Kids Definition

ineligible

adjective
in·​el·​i·​gi·​ble (ˈ)in-ˈel-ə-jə-bəl How to pronounce ineligible (audio)
: not qualified to be chosen or used
ineligible noun
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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