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
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.
Murphy was ineligible to run again for governor due to term limits. Andrew Stanton, MSNBC Newsweek, 5 Nov. 2025 The statement defended Orlando Pride striker Barbra Banda, who was ruled ineligible to compete for Zambia in a 2022 World Cup-qualifying tournament after a test revealed Banda's natural testosterone levels were above those allowed by the Confederation of African Football. Jackson Thompson, FOXNews.com, 4 Nov. 2025 The case is ongoing, with the only remaining claim alleging Illinois failed to make reasonable efforts to remove ineligible voters due to a change of residence. Dalia Faheid, CNN Money, 4 Nov. 2025 Pete Rose, who was removed from Major League Baseball’s permanently ineligible list in May after his death, will be among those eligible for consideration by the Classic Baseball Committee in 2027. C. Trent Rosecrans, New York Times, 3 Nov. 2025 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 9 Nov. 2025.

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

More from Merriam-Webster on ineligible

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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