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
ineligibility
(ˌ)i-ˌne-lə-jə-ˈbi-lə-tē How to pronounce ineligible (audio)
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
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.
Everyone’s favorite ineligible quarterback is back — well, almost. — Tony Maglio, HollywoodReporter, 29 July 2026 North Crowley’s John Meredith III, arguably the most high-profile high school athlete in Texas, transferred from Euless Trinity and was ruled ineligible by a district executive committee. — Charles Baggarly, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 28 July 2026 But then Kennedy was ruled ineligible by the University Interscholastic League, the state governing board that oversees the ruling of transfers in the state last week. — Ethan Hanson, Daily News, 28 July 2026 He was charged with two counts of assault while displaying a dangerous weapon, two counts of first-degree harassment and one count of being a person ineligible to carry dangerous weapons. — Greg Wehner, FOXNews.com, 28 July 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

Rhymes for ineligible

See All Rhymes for ineligible

Browse Nearby Words

ineligibility
ineligible
ineligible paper
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Cite this Entry

“Ineligible.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/ineligible. Accessed 6 Aug. 2026.

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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
ineligibility
(ˌ)in-ˌel-ə-jə-ˈbil-ət-ē How to pronounce ineligible (audio)
noun
ineligible noun

More from Merriam-Webster on ineligible

Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for ineligible

Nglish: Translation of ineligible for Spanish Speakers

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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