ineligible

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

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

Modi's party and the Election Commission say the revision is aimed at removing duplicate and ineligible entries while ensuring eligible voters remain registered. — Arkansas Online, 8 Oct. 2026

Florida High School Athletic Association rules state that runners who don’t participate in district meets are ineligible for region races. — Buddy Collings, The Orlando Sentinel, 8 Oct. 2026

At the testing fairs, residents would then be given other tests that were medically unnecessary, not requested or ordered by a doctor and ineligible for Medicare reimbursement. — Angie Dimichele, Sun Sentinel, 8 Oct. 2026

If the Buss Family Trust sells its remaining shares, Jeanie would be ineligible to serve on the board of governors because the NBA requires governors to own at least 15% of the franchise. — Los Angeles Times, 7 Oct. 2026

Word History

Etymology

French inéligible, from in- + éligible eligible

First Known Use

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