ineligible

adjective

in·​el·​i·​gi·​ble (ˌ)i-ˈne-lə-jə-bəl How to pronounce ineligible (audio)
Synonyms of ineligiblenext
: 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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Immigrants without legal status are ineligible for Medicaid benefits, but a swath of noncitizens qualify, such as green-card holders, asylees, and refugees. Andrew Jones, CBS News, 14 May 2026 In a statement shared to social media, Centerville ISD interim superintendent Dottie Sullivan said the district received notice from the University Interscholastic League regarding allegations of the use of an ineligible player. Charles Baggarly, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 14 May 2026 Because of the no-bail warrant, Aguilar was ineligible for release pending his arraignment, which is scheduled for Friday in Sacramento Superior Court. Nicole Buss, Sacbee.com, 13 May 2026 State Democratic Party Chair Mike Pushkin said no credible evidence was shown during legislative debate that West Virginia had a widespread problem with ineligible voting. John Raby, Los Angeles Times, 12 May 2026 See All Example Sentences for ineligible

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

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Ineligible.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/ineligible. Accessed 16 May. 2026.

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

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