ineligible

adjective

in·​el·​i·​gi·​ble (ˌ)i-ˈne-lə-jə-bəl How to pronounce ineligible (audio)
: 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.
However, undocumented workers—who collectively paid US$96.7 billion in federal, state, and local taxes in 2022—are ineligible for this tax deduction. Danielle Nierenberg, Forbes.com, 11 July 2025 People in the country illegally are largely ineligible for federal public benefits such as food stamps, student loans and financial aid for higher education. Annie Ma, Chicago Tribune, 11 July 2025 Had the relegation been upheld, Lyon would have been ineligible for European competition and Palace would have been guaranteed a Europa League place. Matt Woosnam, New York Times, 10 July 2025 Gives employers the opportunity for notice and the ability to respond — The proposal states that the Education Department must provide an ineligible employer with notice and the opportunity to respond to the decision. Marley Malenfant, Austin American Statesman, 9 July 2025 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 18 Jul. 2025.

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

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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