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.
Yes, the Heat have had many miss time this season, but then consider all the contenders who have leading men ineligible for NBA awards due to the 65-game rule. Ira Winderman, Sun Sentinel, 4 Apr. 2026 In terms of grade level, pre-K students made up the largest number of applicants with 36,666 applications, but roughly half of them were determined to be ineligible. Lina Ruiz april 3, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 3 Apr. 2026 Cities can deem candidates ineligible before the start of early voting under certain circumstances, according to state law. Angela Mathew, Dallas Morning News, 2 Apr. 2026 With voter data in its hands, the DOJ seeks to identify ineligible voters and mandate state election officials to remove those voters from the rolls. John J. Martin, The Conversation, 1 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 5 Apr. 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

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