ineligible

1 of 2

adjective

in·​el·​i·​gi·​ble (ˌ)i-ˈne-lə-jə-bəl 

: 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

ineligibility

(ˌ)i-ˌne-lə-jə-ˈbi-lə-tē 

noun

ineligible noun

ineligibility

2 of 2

noun

in·​eligibility (¦)in 

ən+

: the condition or fact of being ineligible

Examples of ineligible in a Sentence

Adjective

Previously ineligible patients may now be able to participate in the study.

They are ineligible for a loan.

Recent Examples on the Web

Adjective

As an amateur, Ashe is ineligible to receive the $14,000 winner’s prize, but collects $280 in expenses for the two-week tournament. — Assistant Sports Editor, Los Angeles Times, 9 Sep. 2026

Like others without legal status, Rizo was ineligible for the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) and relied on state education assistance programs to earn a bachelor’s degree from the University of Illinois Chicago in 2022. — Kate Perez, Chicago Tribune, 8 Sep. 2026

The loss was forfeited by the Jayhawks because of a player later deemed ineligible. — Pj Green september 8, Kansas City Star, 8 Sep. 2026

If a winner cannot be contacted, fails to respond within ten (10) days, is found to be ineligible, or declines the prize, The Athletic may select an alternate winner or otherwise dispose of the prize as permitted by applicable law. — Mathieu Clavie, New York Times, 8 Sep. 2026

Word History

Etymology

Adjective

French inéligible, from in- + éligible eligible

First Known Use

Adjective

1770, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for ineligible

• eligible
• intelligible
• unintelligible

Kids Definition

ineligible

adjective

in·​el·​i·​gi·​ble (ˈ)in-ˈel-ə-jə-bəl 

: not qualified to be chosen or used

ineligibility

(ˌ)in-ˌel-ə-jə-ˈbil-ət-ē 

noun

ineligible noun