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.
Sorsby, who was to make at least $4 million this year at Texas Tech, could potentially be ruled ineligible for his final college season depending on the results on an NCAA investigation. Kirk Kenney, San Diego Union-Tribune, 1 May 2026 With Grapevine’s removal from the UIL Texas high school baseball playoffs over the use of an ineligible player, some Fort Worth-area teams had less than 24 hours to prepare for new bi-district round opponents. Charles Baggarly, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 1 May 2026 Spotify clarified that missing a badge does not mean an artist is ineligible. Aamir Khollam, Interesting Engineering, 30 Apr. 2026 Two former players were deemed permanently ineligible to participate in NCAA play after the governing body found them in violation of potential game manipulation for sports betting. Scott Thompson, FOXNews.com, 29 Apr. 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 3 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

More from Merriam-Webster on ineligible

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

More from Merriam-Webster