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

Torres did not play in the 2025 season after being ruled ineligible due to a transfer for athletic purposes. — Charles Baggarly, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 3 Aug. 2026

In making decisions, teams figure to factor the NCAA's coming appeal of Sweeney's order and whether to risk bringing back players who could then be declared ineligible if her decision is overturned. — ABC News, 2 Aug. 2026

He's held in Sacramento County Jail and is ineligible for bail. — Eduardo Cuevas, USA Today, 1 Aug. 2026

Sorsby checked himself into a gambling addiction treatment program in April and has been ruled ineligible to play. — Devon Henderson, New York Times, 30 July 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