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.
Spending millions on ineligible recipients only diverts resources from those most in need. Editorial, Boston Herald, 7 Feb. 2026 One patient was ineligible to receive a donor organ offer for approximately 149 days and died in February 2024 under Bynon's care, according to the indictment. CBS News, 6 Feb. 2026 Carla Bernat Escuder of Spain, the 2025 champion who set a scoring record, has turned professional and is ineligible to compete, but runner-up Asterisk Talley, a Stanford commit, is back in the field. Stan Awtrey, AJC.com, 5 Feb. 2026 Even if the secretary of state’s office did mishandle the paperwork, candidates would not automatically be ineligible. Tom Davies, IndyStar, 5 Feb. 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 15 Feb. 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

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